Determinants that influence condom use at first sexual intercourse in portugal

Abstract

A self-administered questionnaire was carried out among young people in Portugal, between the ages of 18 and 24, with the aim to examine determinants influencing condom use at first sexual intercourse, according to the IMB model (Fisher & Fisher, 1992). Young people’s level of information, motivation and behavioral skills regarding preventive sexual behavior (condom use at first sexual intercourse) were ascertained and were used to determine association of condom use at first sexual intercourse. The majority of respondents (78.8%) indicated that they used condom at first sexual intercourse. Most young people had a good level of information regarding HIV/AIDS transmission/prevention. They also showed reasonable positive attitudes, having positive subjective norms and intentions towards HIV/AIDS preventive behaviors. Different models with a path analysis revealed that preventive sexual behavior did not depend directly on information level, nor on motivation, but on behavioral skills. Information and motivation about HIV prevention/ transmission alone were not significantly associated with condom use at first sexual intercourse. The finding that behavioral skills were the strongest determinants of condom use at first sexual intercourse suggested that these may be important factors in effective STIs prevention programs.