Gender differences in attitudes and behaviors toward condom purchase and use among adolescents and young adults

Aside from abstinence condom use is seen as one of the primary methods for the prevention of HIV transmission. This research surveyed 102 sexually active heterosexual college students to assess gender differences in attitudes and behaviors toward condom use and purchase. The Attitude Toward Condoms Scale, various questions from published instruments and experimental questions were utilized. The results of this study describe a more androgenous attitude toward condom use within this population, with males and females indicating a neutral attitude toward condoms. Supporting previous research, this population demonstrates high risk behaviors, practicing unprotected sex with multiple partners. On the factor of embarrassment, however, females were found to be significantly less embarrassed in condom use and purchase than males. In comparison to males, females reported more assertive behaviors regarding condom use. Females indicated that they found males who did not leave contraceptive responsibility up to the female to be sexier.