The context of condom nonuse among older adolescents and young adults

This exploratory-descriptive study examined the context of condom nonuse among older adolescents and young adults. The convenience sample consisted of 23 freshman university students (18 to 20 years of age) in a rural state. Participants were asked to describe situations when condoms were not used. The responses were content-analyzed using an inductive process. Descriptions (n = 86) were identified and analyzed for common themes. The seven themes were assessment of risks, location and timing of sexual experience, extraneous events, communication about condoms, feelings of the moment, contraceptive responsibility, and relationships between sexual partners. The findings suggest strategies to promote condom use when working with older adolescents and young adults.