Contrasting strategies used by young people to ensure condom use: Some findings from a qualitative research project

Abstract

Interviews conducted among 56 young men and women (aged 16-19) reveal two contrasting strategies used to ensure condom use at first intercourse with a new partner. These are defined as verbal communication based strategies (involving some explicit discussion about contraception before intercourse) and non-verbal communication based strategies (where one partner takes responsibility for using condoms without discussing this with their partner). Whilst the former is argued as being the more effective strategy, this paper suggests an important role for the latter, particularly when young people find themselves in situations where initiating discussions about condom use is perceived as being particularly difficult.