The sexual behavior of inner city adolescent condom users∗

Adolescents obtaining condoms in free distribution centers in an inner-city area in the United States responded to a survey administered by young males (ages 20-22) who knew the target area and its population. Interviews were conducted during a 2-week interval in late November and early December 1970. Information was obtained about demographic factors means of learning of free condom distribution sexual behavior sex partner pattern of condom use and extent to which a sense of social responsibility was a determining factor in condom use. 134 usable interviews were obtained from 150 respondents. Mean age was 18.2 years. The results suggest that even without the program a good many of the young males would eventually resort to condom use: 93% used condoms before the program started. The young mens mean stated age at first coitus was 14.3 years; however they claimed to be on the average 15 years old when they first learned the relationship between coitus and pregnancy. On the other hand as a rule they used condoms regularly from first intercourse. 23% stated they were responsible for at least 1 pregnancy. 75% indicated they had used a condom at last intercourse. This indicates the contraceptive function of the program had remained at a consistently high level since an early survey 1/2 year earlier. The absence of a high teenage birth rate in this area while it must partly be due to condom use is undoubtedly largely affected by postmenarchal subfecundity. More research should be conducted in the area of prepubertal sexual socialization of inner city males.