• What interventions have been shown to be effective in increasing condom use among young adults?
• What interventions may be effective in helping adolescents delay sexual initiation?

Q: What interventions have been shown to be effective in increasing condom use among young adults?

A: The experience in Jamaica provides insight into some effective strategies used to increase condom use. The 1997 Jamaica Reproductive Health Survey and other data indicated that 60 percent of sexually experienced young men ages 15 to 24 and 40 percent of sexually experienced male adolescents ages 10 to 14 reported using condoms for their last or most recent sexual intercourse.

Four interventions/circumstances were found to have contributed to increased condom use among adolescent males in Jamaica:

• Perceived Peer Acceptance. Interventions that promote peer endorsement, peer promotion, and condom skills training by peer facilitators will significantly increase condom use because adolescent males are far more likely to accept and use condoms if they believe that their peers are using condoms.
  

• Communication Campaigns. Effective communication campaigns should a) address issues of STIs and pregnancy prevention; b) promote messages that desensitize condom inhibitions, popularize condom usage, and establish social acceptance (using a condom is the "cool" thing to do); and c) create a healthy, positive image of condoms and condom users.
  
• Youth-Friendly Access and Wide Availability. Making condoms available through outlets such as health clinics, pharmacies, and retail stores for free or at affordable prices increases the likelihood that youth will purchase them. Youth-friendly access includes: a) establishing a variety and large number of outlets, with emphasis on nontraditional retail points that are more anonymous and have convenient opening hours; b) sensitizing "providers" to be more accommodating and encouraging to adolescents who wish to use and purchase condoms; and c) creating a nonthreatening environment for access to condoms.
  

• Skills Training. Training in correct condom useage should include instructional leaflets, "older" youth as demonstrators or instructors, and a relaxed and open group environment.

Q: What interventions may be effective in helping adolescents delay sexual initiation?

A: Interventions that may be effective:

• Encourage positive development of self-esteem, responsibility, and empowerment.
  
• Emphasize formal education, particularly for girls, as well as those that support delaying marriage.
  
• Provide support and practical skills to help adolescents say "no" to partner and peer pressure.
  
• Change social norms about early sexual initiation.
  
• Help adolescents discuss their personal and family values about sex.
  
• Provide contraceptive services, as well as information and counseling.
  

Reprinted with permission from Pathfinder International's "FOCUS on Young Adults" Project, 2002.