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Condom Use by Adolescents (RE0059)

NCJ Number
192729
Date Published
June 2001
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics assesses the use of condoms as part of the secondary prevention of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) in adolescents.
Abstract
Sexual activity and pregnancies decreased slightly among adolescents in the 1990's, reversing trends that were present in the 1970's and 1980's, while condom use among adolescents increased significantly. These trends likely reflect the initial success of primary and secondary prevention messages aimed at adolescents. Rates of acquisition of STDs and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among adolescents remain unacceptably high, however, highlighting the need for continued prevention efforts and reflecting the fact that improved condom use can decrease, but never eliminate, the risk of acquisition of STDs and HIV, as well as unintended pregnancies. Although many condom-education and availability programs have been shown to have modest effects on condom use, there is no evidence that these programs contribute to increased sexual activity among adolescents. Pediatricians should encourage adolescent patients to abstain from intercourse as the only sure way to prevent STDs and pregnancy; however, pediatricians should support and encourage the correct and consistent use of reliable contraception and condoms by adolescents who are sexually active or contemplating sexual activity. In the interest of public health, restrictions and barriers to condom availability should be removed. Research should identify methods to increase correct and consistent condom use by sexually active adolescents and to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies to promote condom use. 88 references