Predictors of condom‐related behaviors among first‐year college students

Among a self‐selected group of 330 first‐year college students we assessed frequency of condom use, reasons for using condoms, and attitudes toward condoms, sexuality, and the double standard. A packet including demographic and sexual history items, along with three attitude measures, was distributed to a random sample of first‐year students. The majority (86.4%) of respondents had engaged in sexual intercourse, and 34.2% of those subjects reported two or more new sexual partners since arriving at college. Although 80.3% of those who had engaged in sexual intercourse since arriving at college reported using a condom, only 20.7% of students who had ever engaged in sexual intercourse reported using a condom every time. Logistic analyses were used to investigate the relationship between condom‐related behaviors and attitudes toward condoms, sexuality, and the double standard. These findings suggest that if condom use is to become a major element in the fight against AIDS, as well as in the prevention of other sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies, steps must be taken to increase positive attitudes toward condoms. Recommendations for educating first‐year college students are provided.