Search

OBJECTIVES: We used Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory to identify factors that predicted never or sometimes using condoms in a multiethnic cohort of adolescent mothers. METHODS: We interviewed adolescent mothers within 48 hours of delivery and surveyed them 6 and 12 months after delivery (n = 636). We used multinomial logistic regression to identify individual-, dyad-, family-, and peer and community-level factors associated with never or sometimes using versus always using condoms during intercourse at 12 months postpartum. RESULTS: Pregnancy status, partner refusal to use condoms, intimate partner violence, and race/ethnicity predicted both never and sometimes using condoms. Condom use 6 months earlier and church attendance also predicted never using condoms, whereas maternal monitoring was an additional predictor for sometimes using condoms. CONCLUSIONS: Overlapping yet distinct risk profiles predicted never or sometimes using versus always using condoms. Factors from multiple levels of influence affected the condom use behaviors of adolescent mothers indicating that multilevel interventions are needed to promote safer sexual practices among these young women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study explored whether the prevalence of latex-related health conditions has increased among individuals employed in medical occupations relative to those employed in nonmedical occupations since the issuance of universal precautions in 1987., Methods: Data derived from the 1983 to 1994 versions of the National Health Interview Survey were used to obtain odds ratios comparing prevalence rates of latex-related symptoms over time., Results: No statistical evidence was found that the universal precautions resulted in increased prevalence rates of latex-related health conditions among medical workers relative to those employed in nonmedical occupations., Conclusions: Increased use of latex gloves among health care personnel subsequent to the implementation of universal precautions appears to have had no effect on latex allergic reactions experienced by these workers.