Predicting intentions to perform protective sexual behaviours among Norwegian adolescents

Abstract

This paper examines the socio‐cognitive processes underlying intentions to use condoms and contraceptive pills, using the Theory of Planned Behaviour extended with prototypes in a group of young Norwegian adolescents. The data are derived from a questionnaire survey comprising all pupils in Grade Nine at three schools in Oslo (n = 196). Using hierarchical multiple regression analyses, the results showed that prototypes and normative beliefs, especially partner's opinion, were the most important predictors for boys' condom decisions. For girls' condom decisions, normative and attitudinal considerations were most important. Perceived risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases was the most important predictor among behavioural beliefs for condom intention for both girls and boys. Normative beliefs, and especially parental opinions, were most important for girls' decisions to use contraceptive pills. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Acknowledgements

This project has been financed with the aid of EXTRA funds from the Norwegian Foundation for Health and Rehabilitation. The authors also wish to thank Research Psychologist Inger Synnøve Moan, Institute of Transport Economics, Oslo, Norway, Professor Pål Kraft, University of Oslo, Norway, Senior Researcher Kristian Tambs, and Researcher Ragnhild Ørstavik, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, for constructive discussions.