Condom Use
| Most recent CO value (2005) |
CO rank (2005) |
CO value (2005) |
Best state (2005) |
Best state value (2005) |
HP 2010 target |
69.3% |
3/32 =5/50 |
69.3% |
New Jersey |
71.2% |
95% |
Indicator Definition
Percent of high school students sexually active in the last month who reported using a condom.
| High school students who were sexually active and used condoms in Colorado4 |
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| High school students who were sexually active and used condoms by sex in Colorado5 |
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Indicator Significance
One in four of the 15 million new cases of sexually transmitted disease (STDs) each year occurs among teenagers. Although condom use has increased in the past decade, no significant increase in use occurred between 2003 and 2005. Unprotected intercourse increases both the risk of spreading STDs and unintended pregnancy. Condom use is highest among black teenagers and younger students (9th grade). Older students (12th grade) are likely to use other forms of contraception, which compromises the goal of decreasing STD transmission.1
Colorado Specifics
Colorado ranks third among the 32 states that monitor condom use among sexually active high school students. Nevertheless, only about two-thirds of all students who reported being sexually active in the past month also reported using a condom, a rate that has been stable since 2001.
Promising Initiatives
In Colorado
In the 2007 legislative session, the Colorado General Assembly passed HB 1292 requiring that a comprehensive, science-based sex education program be taught in Colorado school districts that offer sex education. Presenting medical and scientific information, the curriculum will discuss abstinence as the only 100 percent-effective means of preventing pregnancy and STDs, but will also discuss the importance of using contraceptives if sexually active. Preceding the law, Poudre School District developed a 10-lesson, comprehensive approach to sex education. The curriculum provides students with information on healthy relationships, condom use, other forms of contraception and the risks associated with sexually transmitted diseases.2
Elsewhere
“Real Life. Real Talk. Youth Council,” a campaign developed by Planned Parenthood of Central and Northern Arizona, relies on youth volunteers to connect with other teens to discuss sexual choices, the risk of STDs and pregnancy. Teen volunteers attend concerts and other recreational venues where teenagers typically spend time. In these discussions, abstinence is identified as the only fool-proof method of pregnancy prevention and avoiding STDs, but safe sex practices are also discussed, including the correct use of condoms. The program was designed to lower Arizona’s high teen pregnancy and STD rates.3
High school students who were sexually active and used condoms6
Text
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Youth Risk Behavior Study, 1991 – 2005.
“Teens and STDs: A New Message for a Healthy Millennium,” Focus on the Family’s Focus on Your Child.
- “Sex Education Bill Clears Senate Panel.” Rocky Mountain News; March 30, 2007.
- “Teens Spreading Word on Sex Ed in Unique Program.” Arizona Republic; July 10, 2005.
Charts
- Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2001 – 2005.
- Source: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2005.
- Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Healthy Youth, 2005.