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Discusses the failure to use condoms among U.S. Latino populations and identifies six "myths" related to traditional cultural values and gender roles, and associations between condoms and prostitution, infidelity, and disease, that prevent condom use in these populations. Suggests ways that programs can address these myths in HIV prevention strategies targeting Latinos. Contains 52 references. (SAS)

Studies reveal that students need strategies, not just information, to protect themselves from AIDS. However, few school offer appropriate education on safer sex strategies for sexually active students. The paper discusses the necessary components of an effective sex education program within the school and the community. (SM)

Reviews the literature available on college students' sexual behaviors with regard to AIDS. Includes information about condom use, students' knowledge and behavior, and gender and ethnic differences regarding sexual behavior. Describes elements used for college and university programs and provides implications for practice. (RJM)

Reviews empirical studies about the psychosocial correlates of HIV risk among heterosexual college students, presenting results related to condom use, HIV/AIDS knowledge, perceived susceptibility to HIV/AIDS, gender differences, communication skills, and sexual self-efficacy. Results indicate that students are still at high risk. Recommendations for future interventions are discussed. (SM)

Using telephone surveys, researchers examined the health behaviors of 1,408 Texas college students. Results indicated that most had consumed alcohol at least once, and nearly one-third were regular smokers. Most were sexually active but did not use condoms. Over half had never received HIV/AIDS education in college. (SM)

Among 4,390 heterosexual urban Hispanics in 1990-91 national surveys, 16.4% reported an HIV risk factor. Those at highest risk tended to be male, young, more educated, low-income, and highly acculturated; half of those at highest risk had not been tested for HIV infection and did not use condoms for protection. Contains 55 references. (Author/SV)

Survey of 55 male and 32 female Mexican migrant workers found that respondents were knowledgeable about actual modes of HIV transmission but also believed in transmission in various unlikely ways; had limited knowledge of proper condom use; used condoms sometimes; and held few negative beliefs about condom use but felt that women carrying condoms are seen as promiscuous. (Author/SV)

National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 data show that use of condoms is related to the prevalence of AIDS in one's state of residence. A 1% increase in AIDS increases condom use significantly, up to 50% for groups most responsive to prevalence (men, urban residents, single). (SK)

Describes the design and implementation of a peer-led sexually transmitted disease/human immunodeficiency virus prevention program for high school students in a dropout prevention program. Pre- and postintervention ratings of peers' effectiveness by teachers and students demonstrated an increase in awareness and discussion and an increase in condom use. (SM)

A survey of college students' risk behaviors (sexual, substance use, and behaviors leading to injuries) found that, when compared with relevant national health objectives, students will meet the health objectives regarding tobacco and cocaine use but not condom and birth control use, alcohol and marijuana use, or bicycle helmet use. (SM)

Studied the link between specific sexual behaviors, HIV testing, levels of knowledge and personal vulnerability regarding HIV, and alcohol and condom use among college students. A significant portion (33.9%) of students stated that they were at risk for HIV and 25.4% reported that they had been tested for HIV. Includes a copy of the behavior questionnaire. (RJM)

Four studies tested the hypothesis that alcohol decreases the likelihood of condom use during casual sex. Results are consistent with "alcohol myopia," the notion that alcohol decreases cognitive capacity, such that intoxicated people are more likely to attend to the most salient cues in a situation. Provides strong evidence that alcohol use causes a decrease in condom use. (KW)

Reports the impact of a school-based Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) risk-reduction program on participation and intention to participate in sexual intercourse and on protective behaviors by newly sexually active seventh- and eighth-grade students. Surveys indicated the programs affected certain protective behaviors, frequency of recent sexual activity, and intentions to perform specific protective behaviors. (SM)

This study examined parents' attitudes and beliefs following implementation of an HIV/AIDS education program that included condom availability in every public high school. Results indicated that parents supported the schools' role in reducing adolescent HIV/AIDS transmission and believed providing condoms was acceptable within an HIV/AIDS prevention program. (SM)

Investigates the relationships among teenage women's Contraceptive Self-Efficacy (CSE), reproductive and contraceptive knowledge (RCK), and contraceptive behavior. No significant relationships existed between RCK and behavior. However, CSE explained variance in RCK, while other measures uncovered common areas of misinformation that influence contraceptive and prophylactic use. Educational interventions are recommended. (RJM)

Surveys of 931 students indicated that 85 percent supported condom distribution at their school, and 76 percent believed that condom distribution would not change the frequency of sexual activity among adolescents. (SM)

Expanded the applicability of stage models to the reduction of HIV-risk behaviors. Distributed not-in-treatment crack cocaine smokers and intravenous drug users across three levels of intention to change, which revealed that benefits of change and condom assertiveness varied across the stages of change. Discusses other findings. (RJM)

Reports a study that surveyed college students to identify individuals to whom peers turned as sources of information about AIDS, emphasizing risk behavior, perceptions of condom use, knowledge, and perceptions of sexually transmitted diseases. Results indicated the dynamics of AIDS opinion leadership differed between the sexes. (SM)

Examined cognitive-behavioral (health-belief, social cognitive, peer support), risk-taking, and stress/coping models as predictors of safer sex practices among 136 gay/bisexual males, ages 14-19. Components of the health-belief, self-efficacy theories, and emotional distress models corresponded with safer sex practices; peer support was not influential. (RJM)

Discusses curtailing the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by helping people reduce high-risk sexual behavior. Reviews research in the relationship contexts of sexuality, including variations in monogamy, condom use in affectionate versus casual relationships, sexual communication, and coercion. Notes policy and training issues related to human sexuality may have hindered efforts to incorporate sexuality research findings in HIV prevention programs. (Author/KW)

Surveys of heterosexual college students assessed gender differences in barriers to condom use. Data analysis revealed similar barrier factor structures, though the barriers explained more of the variance in condom use among women than men. Low perceived need was the best predictor of category of condom use for both sexes. (SM)

Determined the role gender plays in influencing the prevalence and patterns of sexual risk taking. Responses from 245 undergraduate students show gender differences in risk-taking patterns. For females, potentially risky behavior in the partner domain was negatively related to risky behavior in the sexual practice domain, whereas for males, the domains were positively related. (GR)

This paper reviews published research on school-based programs to reduce sexual risk-taking behaviors. Analysis of 23 studies of school-based programs supports several conclusions about these programs. About 93 percent of all high schools offer sexuality or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) education, and the majority of these programs include the topics of abstinence, contraception, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). There is broad public support for both sexuality education and HIV education. Research indicates that such programs do not hasten the onset of intercourse among students or increase its frequency. Four curricula have been identified as increasing the use of condoms or contraception among some groups of participants. The proportion of junior and senior high schools with school-based health centers is small but growing rapidly. Research indicates that effective programs implemented in U.S. schools can have an important impact on reducing sexual risk taking behaviors. Recommendations are made for additional funding for such programs and for teacher training and resource allocation. (Contains 66 references.) (SM)

A study of African American college students compared students' health-related behaviors with their perceptions of corresponding health issues. Students had low smoking rates but higher alcohol consumption. Most students did not practice good nutrition or daily physical activity. Over half managed stress well, and three-quarters were sexually active. (SM)

Sexual behavior, knowledge of sexually transmitted disease and condoms, and condom use was studied among 116 African American and white incarcerated adolescents in Seattle (Washington). Results indicate that these adolescents are at high risk and suggest that programs designed solely to increase knowledge are unlikely to effect behavior change. (SLD)

In Hatfield, Massachusetts, long-unquestioned social contract (guaranteed tax support for children's free public education) is up for grabs. A battle over condoms underlies more serious generational differences over "frills" (mainstreaming, peer mediation, and affective education) and who should pay. Parents may have to contribute to per-pupil costs apart from taxes; nonschool institutions should shoulder their share of society's burdens. (MLH)

A survey of 848 pharmacy students at 3 universities investigated their knowledge and attitudes about safe sex practices and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), sources of AIDS information, role of the pharmacists in AIDS prevention, and willingness to associate with or serve human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals. (Author/MSE)