Condom availability programs in Massachusetts high schools: relationships with condom use and sexual behavior.

OBJECTIVES

This study assessed relationships between condom availability programs accompanied by community discussion and involvement and adolescent sexual practices.

METHODS

Sexual practice and condom use differences were assessed in a representative sample of 4166 adolescents enrolled in high schools with and without condom availability programs.

RESULTS

Adolescents in schools where condoms were available were more likely to receive condom use instruction and less likely to report lifetime or recent sexual intercourse. Sexually active adolescents in those schools were twice as likely to use condoms, but less likely to use other contraceptive methods, during their most recent sexual encounter.

CONCLUSIONS

The strategy of making condoms available, an indication of socioenvironmental support for condom use, may improve HIV prevention practices.