SELF-EFFICACY AND INTENT TO USE CONDOMS AMONG ENTERING COLLEGE-FRESHMEN

We examined self-efficacy theory's ability to explain adolescents' int ent to use condoms. In this study, 673 males and 404 females (mean age , 17.8 years) about to begin college, completed health surveys measuri ng self-efficacy regarding condom use. Perceived self-efficacy differe d by gender and sexual experience. Regression analysis demonstrated th at frequency of past condom use, perceived ability to talk with new pa rtner about condoms and to enjoy sex using condoms explained 16% of se xually active males' intent to use condoms (p < 0.05). For sexually ac tive females, explanators included frequency of past use and perceived ability to enjoy sex with condoms (R2 = 29.8%, p < 0.05). For never s exually active males, perceived ability to convince partner to use con doms and to buy condoms explained 16.1% of intent (p < 0.05); among ne ver sexually active females, only perceived ability to convince partne r to use condoms was significant (R2 = 6.2%, p < 0.05). Efforts to inc rease condom use should enhance perceptions of ability to negotiate as pects of condom use.