Perceived versus actual knowledge about correct condom use among US adolescents: Results from a national study

Purpose: To assess the prevalence of three misconceptions about correct con dom use and determine whether prevalence of these misconceptions varied by gender, sexual intercourse experience, experience using condoms, and the re lationship between adolescents' actual and perceived knowledge about correc t condom use. Variables that predicted misconceptions about correct condom use were also identified. Methods: Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health wer e analyzed to determine prevalence of misconceptions among 16,677 adolescen ts. Misconceptions were: (a) no space at the tip of the condom, (b) Vaselin e can be used with condoms, and (c) lambskin protects against the acquired immunodeficiency virus better than latex. Chi-square analyses determined di fferences in prevalence of misconceptions between male and female adolescen ts based on their sexual and condom use experience as well as their level o f perceived knowledge about correct condom use. Logistic regression models identified predictors of reporting misconceptions. Results: Depending on intercourse experience and experience using condoms, about one-third to one-half believed the first two misconceptions and about one-fifth believed the latter one. Perception of knowledge about correct c ondom use was infrequently related to actual knowledge. Misconceptions were less likely among older adolescents, those ever having intercourse, those reporting four or more lifetime intercourse partners, those who had used co ndoms, females, and those not reporting a religious affiliation. Conclusions: Misconceptions about correct condom use are common among adole scents. Sexually active adolescents need more complete information about co rrect condom use. (C) Society for Adolescent Medicine, 2001.