THURS-004 - Understanding the Link Between Past Condom Use and Future Negotiation Intentions

Brief Abstract Summary: Adolescents and young adults (15-24) represent 25% of the sexually active population but acquire half of all STIs. Casual hookups are common on college campuses, yet students often report low condom use. Condom negotiation strategies (CNS) are essential for promoting condom use, particularly in casual encounters. This study examines how past condom use predicts future intentions to negotiate condom use among college students. A survey was conducted in fall 2024 with students from multiple universities in the Northeast. Descriptive statistics will outline sexual behaviors over the past year, and a path analysis using the Theory of Planned Behavior will assess how attitudes, norms, and perceived control mediate between past condom use and future CNS intentions. Findings aim to inform interventions to encourage CNS and safer sex communication among 15-24-year-olds.

Detailed abstract description: Despite accounting for 25% of the sexually active population, adolescents and college-aged adults between 15-24 years old acquire half of all sexually transmitted infections (STIs). One behavior that is seen as normal on college campuses is engaging in “hookups” or sexual encounters (anything from kissing to sex) without past and/or future commitment. Partners can be found in traditional ways (e.g., classes, clubs, bars) and/or through online meeting contexts such as dating apps and social media. Using external condoms is one method that can prevent STIs; however, college students consistently have low rates of condom usage, especially consistent usage, and previous research has indicated that those who engage in hookups may be at more risk of acquiring an STI, as they are more likely to have multiple partners. Safer sex efforts may require individuals to use condom negotiation strategies (CNS) to persuade their partners to use a condom, however, there is little education on CNS in sex education programs about it. These methods can come in four distinct forms of communication to persuade partners to use external condoms. For example, verbal-direct CNS may be one partner directly asking the other to use a condom during sexual intercourse. Other forms of CNS include verbal indirect (e.g., “Did you hear X got pregnant?”); nonverbal direct (e.g., placing a condom on the other partner ); and nonverbal indirect (e.g., searching for a condom in a purse or bag). It is especially important to consider these CNS strategies in college students who engage in hookups, as condom use is critical for preventing STIs among this vulnerable population. Previous studies have found links between previous condom use and CNS use during future sexual encounters due to increased self-efficacy and positive reinforcement.The purpose of this study is to identify how past condom use predicts future intentions to negotiate condom use among adolescents and college-aged adults. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was administered in the fall of 2024 to a convenience sample of undergraduate and graduate students at multiple universities in the Northeast. Descriptive statistics will be used to describe the study sample and sexual, hookup, and condom use behaviors in the previous 12 months. To identify the relationship between past and future intentions to negotiate condom use among college students who engage in hookups, a path analysis using a General Linear Model will be conducted using the Theory of Planned Behavior constructs (attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) as mediators to past condom use and future intention to negotiate condom use. The findings of this research may not only help in understanding conversations about condom use among sexual partners but also inform what types of CNS are being utilized to develop interventions and health education programs to encourage communication about condom use among 15-24-year-olds.