Condom use among high-risk heterosexual teens: A longitudinal analysis using the theory of reasoned action

Abstract

This paper describes tests of traditional and augmented versions of Fishbein and Ajzen's Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). applied to condom use among high-risk heterosexually-active teens, drawn from a sexually transmitted disease clinic and a juvenile detention facility. In a longitudinal survey, predictor variables suggested by Ajzen and Fishbein (1980), plus condom use self-efficacy, attitude-norm interaction and gender, were measured at Time l. Condom use at Time 2, 3 months later, was regressed onto these variables. Support was found for the traditional TRA variables, but little support was found for the addition of self-efficacy. Implications for interventions to increase condom use among high-risk teens are discussed.

Key Words:

• Theory of Reasoned Action
• condom use
• adolescents
• self-efficacy
• AIDS
• STDs.