Reports of condom use at first and last sexual encoun­ters

Data Source(s):

Surveys of adolescent program participants or adoles­cents in the intended population for the program

Purpose:

This indicator measures the prevalence of condom use at two important reference points. Reported use at first intercourse indicates the effectiveness of program mes­sages encouraging the use of condoms among youth who become sexually active – an especially important mes­sage for programs focusing on younger adolescents. Condom use at last intercourse approximates the cur­rent condom prevalence rate among adolescents (assum­ing that last sexual encounters occurred in the recent past). Given that most adolescents need non-perma­nent methods that provide dual protection against preg­nancy and STI transmission, this indicator specifies condoms. However, evaluators may include questions on the use of other contraceptive methods to capture the use of other protective methods. Ideally, evaluators will tabulate the indicator separately for married and unmarried adolescents, because the circumstances sur­rounding contraception and choice of method are quite different for each group.

Issue(s):

Reports of condom use (or the use of other contraceptives) do not necessar­ily reflect consistent use, measured by Percent of sexually active, unmarried adolescents who consistently use condoms.