Patterns of condom use among adolescents: the impact of mother-adolescent communication.

OBJECTIVES: The association between the timing of discussions about condoms between mother and adolescent and adolescents' condom use during their first and subsequent sexual encounters was examined. METHODS: Sexually active adolescents reported whether and when they discussed condoms with their mother and answered questions about their own condom use. RESULTS: Mother-adolescent discussions about condoms that occurred prior to sexual debut were strongly associated with greater condom use during first intercourse and most recent intercourse, along with greater lifetime regular condom use. CONCLUSIONS: Discussions about condoms prior to sexual debut are important in promoting condom use among adolescents.