Factors predictive of adolescents' intentions to use birth control pills, condoms, and birth control pills in combination with condoms

Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (Ajzen, 1988) as a conceptual framewo rk, 705 secondary school students were surveyed to identify their intention s to use birth control pills, condoms, and birth control pills in combinati on with condoms. Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that the theory explained 23.5% and 45.8% of the variance in intentions. Variables external to the model such past: use, age, and ethnicity exhibited some ent effects . Attitudes were consistently predictive of intentions to use condoms, pill s, and condoms in combination with pills for both male and female students. However, there were differences by gender in the degree to cb subjective n orms and perceived behavioural control predicted intentions. The findings s uggest that programs should focus on: creation of positive attitudes regard ing birth control pills and condoms; targeting important social influences. particularly regarding males use of condoms; and developing strategies to increase students' control over the use of condoms.