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  • Title: Condom use and attitudes among heterosexual college students.
    Author: Myers T, Clement C.
    Journal: Can J Public Health; 1994; 85(1):51-5. PubMed ID: 8180926.
    Abstract:
    INTRODUCTION: This paper analyzes differences between heterosexual male and female college students' behaviour, attitudes and knowledge about condom use. METHOD: A convenience sample of 707 students were recruited at sexual health displays to complete an anonymous questionnaire. RESULTS: Based on reported sexual partners in the previous year, 486 students (51.2% male and 48.8% female) were classified as heterosexual. No significant differences were found between the sexes in reported risk behaviour. Females reported more appropriate condom use techniques than males, and more positive attitudes toward condoms. Males rated sexual enjoyment to be more important. A greater proportion of males than females gave reasons for not using condoms. CONCLUSION: Differences between male and female attitudes and behaviour are important to address in AIDS prevention. Along with an emphasis on the improvement of condom use techniques, it is critical to focus on gender issues of assertiveness, power and trust. The responses of a self-selected sample of Canadian college students draw attention to the salience of gender-based analysis in studies of sexual behavior and condom use. Respondents included 249 male and 237 female heterosexuals (mean age 22.6 and 21.9 years, respectively) who approached free condom distribution displays at 4 college campuses in Toronto and agreed to complete a brief questionnaire. Overall, 69% of students stated they were currently involved in a relationship; however, 65% of females compared to only 47% of males reported having just 1 sexual partner in the past year. 83% of students had used a condom at some point in their life and 69% reported condom use on at least 1 occasion in the past year. All respondents acknowledge at least 1 episode of sexual intercourse where a condom was not used. The most frequent reason for nonuse, among both males and females, was involvement in a steady relationship. However, males were significantly more likely than females to claim they did not use condoms for the following other reasons: did not have a condom, sex was so exciting, partner did not want to use a condom, and drugs or alcohol were involved. Males reported significantly higher rates of condom use than females during vaginal intercourse, oral sex, and anal intercourse. On the other hand, females had more positive attitudes toward condoms and were more conscientious in their proper use. There were significant gender differences on 6 of 10 attitude questions, with females disagreeing more strongly than males with the following statements: condoms are a turnoff, safe sex is boring, long-term lovers can have any type of sex without risk, drug or alcohol use makes it hard to practice safe sex, and it is hard to have safe sex with a very attractive partner. In terms of specific condom use guidelines intended to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission, females were significantly more likely than males to be aware of or adhere to the following: never use vaseline, hold while withdrawing, withdraw just after ejaculation, use water-based lubricant, and always use spermicide. 87% of subjects considered themselves at low or no risk of HIV infection.
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