Sex, AIDS, and the Use of Condoms: A Survey of Compliance in College Students

To evaluate compliance with the suggestion that condoms be used during risky sexual activity, 206 college students' use of condoms during genital and anal sex was surveyed. Analysis indicated that 78% engaged in genital intercourse, and while 20% always used a condom, 44% used condoms less than half the time. Of the 10% engaged in anal sex, 90% did not use condoms. Students at highest risk (with the most partners) were using condoms least often. All respondents reported knowing AIDS was transmitted sexually. Nonetheless, reasons given for not using condoms were belief they knew their partners' sexual history or another form of birth control was being used. Results suggest that outcome studies are needed to assess programs which focus on behavioral change, including use of condoms.