Condom failure: Examining the objective and cultural meanings expressed in interviews with African American adolescents

Sharon R. Sznitman, Jennifer Horner, Laura F. Salazar, Daniel Romer, Peter A. Vanable, Michael P. Carey, Ralph J. Diclemente, Robert F. Valois, Bonita F. Stanton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning and context of self-reported "condom failure" among sexually active African American adolescents. Semistructured interviews regarding methods of protection from pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease (STD) with 124 youth (ages 14-19 years) were content analyzed. The findings suggested three meanings of condom failure. First, condom failure represents a legitimate and important risk related to sexual activity. Second, it can serve as an excuse repertoire for adolescents who engaged in unprotected sex and later experienced either pregnancy or a STD. Third, it may serve as an explanation for males who deceive their partners into having unprotected sex. The findings are discussed with regard to their implications for HIV or STD prevention and research.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)309-318
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Sex Research
Volume46
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gender Studies
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • General Psychology
  • History and Philosophy of Science

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