161 - Qualitative Study of Hospitalized Teens’ Perspectives on Condoms

Publication Number: 161.6188

Vanessa McFadden, Medical College of Wisconsin, MIlwaukee, WI, United States; Michelle Pickett, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Sarah Yale, Medical College of Wisconsin / Children's Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI, United States; Tracey Liljestrom, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI, United States; Kelsey Porada, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Katherine Quinn, Medical College, Milwaukee, WI, United States

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) disproportionately affect teens. Only 52% of high school students nationally reported condom use at last intercourse, which has been declining over the last 10 years. Qualitative research regarding teens’ perspectives on condoms is needed to provide context to existing quantitative data.

Objective: Gain insight into teens’ perspectives and knowledge sources regarding condoms; inform practices to increase condom use and decrease STIs.

Design/Methods: Private semi-structured interviews of teens aged 13-17 hospitalized at a children’s hospital in 2021. Interviews were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. Themes were developed through an iterative process. Parental consent was waived.

Results: Thematic saturation achieved with 20 teens. Patient demographics and behaviors listed in Table 1. Themes included: 1) Variation in condom knowledge and sources of knowledge, 2) Barriers to condom use and perception of condom distribution in the hospital, 3) Perceptions of who should use condoms, and 4) Perceptions of condom use by peers and range of peer perceptions of condoms. All participants knew of condoms, but knowledge and sources of knowledge were inconsistent. Most common source of knowledge mentioned was school (65%), and over half (60%) said they had never discussed condoms with a healthcare provider. Teens reported a variety of barriers to condom use, including access , yet almost all participants did not desire condoms in the hospital (Table 2). Many participants equate condoms with being safe and protection with universal relevance, yet they also state being on birth control as a barrier to use (Table 2). Additionally, many participants assert that pregnancy prevention and relationship status define whether someone should use condoms, while STI prevention was rarely mentioned (Table 3). Range of peer discussion of condoms, perception of use by peers and perceptions of condoms in terms of positive and negative (Table 3).

Conclusion(s): This qualitative study highlights the need for a standardized approach to condom discussions with teens that reinforces universal need including that condoms should be used for more than just pregnancy prevention. Providers should not assume teens are receiving comprehensive information about condoms or have discussed condoms with providers previously. Providers can bridge this knowledge gap, including highlighting the importance of dual protection. Initiatives to increase access to condoms could include informing teens about free condoms and where to get them, as well prompting planning for future when offering free condoms.

Table 1 Participant-reported demographic and behavior information


Table 2. Teens’ perceptions of condoms – Barriers, Perception of free condom distribution in the hospital and where to get condoms


Table 3. Teens’ perceptions of condoms Who Should Use and Peer Perceptions