Adolescents and Condom Use

Increasing condom use among adolescents is an essential component of a public health strategy aimed at decreasing rates of sexually transmitted infections and the spread of human immunodeficiency virus infection. This article reviews current data about the contraceptive and prophylactic characteristics of condoms. Data about current levels of use among adolescents and factors demonstrated to affect such use are also summarized. Except where data are scanty or nonexistent, the research studies are limited to those focusing primarily on adolescents and, occasionally, college students. Based on these data, suggestions for increasing condom use among adolescents are presented.