Longitudinal Test of a Multiple Domain Model of Adolescent Condom Use

Abstract

A comprehensive multiple domain model (MDM) to understand condom use in adolescents was proposed and tested using structural equation modeling of data at three time points. The proposed model integrates social psychological theory, demographic and personality factors, social environment, and situational/contextual variables. Adolescents who were sexually active at time 2 (6 months after baseline) and time 3 (1 year after time 2) and completed surveys at all three time points were included in the analyses (N = 511). An iterative process of model testing resulted in a structural equation model that provided a good fit to the data (CFI = .92, RMSEA = .04). Models comparing gender and race as moderators also were calculated and supported the generalizability of the model. Results provide support for an MDM that goes beyond traditional social psychological models for a broader understanding of condom use in adolescents. Implications for further theory testing and safer sexual interventions are discussed.

This research was supported by Grant No. AA10747 from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (Rick S. Zimmerman and Lewis Donohew, PIs). Special thanks go to administrators, principals, teachers, and students of the 17 high schools that participated in the study. Without their generous cooperation, this study would not have been possible.

Notes

¹These variables were not measured in the current study.