PATTERNS OF CONDOM USE AMONG ADOLESCENTS - THE IMPACT OF MOTHER-ADOLESCENT COMMUNICATION

Objectives. The association between the timing of discussions about co ndoms between mother and adolescent and adolescents' condom use during their first and subsequent sexual encounters was examined. Methods. S exually active adolescents reported whether and when they discussed co ndoms with their mother and answered questions about their own condom use. Results. Mother-adolescent discussions about condoms that occurre d prior to sexual debut were strongly associated with greater condom u se during first intercourse and most recent intercourse, along with gr eater lifetime regular condom use. Conclusions. Discussions about cond oms prior to sexual debut are important in promoting condom use among adolescents.