Examining individual and school-level predictors of positive attitudes towards condom use among adolescents in Tanzania: An exploratory analysis using hierarchical linear modeling.
Sara Bryk, Arisa Shichijo, Sylvia Kaaya et al.
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In 30 seconds
This exploratory analysis examined individual and school-level correlates of attitudes toward condom use among Standard 7 adolescents in two Tanzanian districts. Data came from a school-cluster randomized controlled trial, with hierarchical linear modeling applied to an analytic sample of 1,057 adolescents across 20 primary schools. More positive attitudes were associated individually with being male, condom access, and knowledge about condom use and pregnancy prevention. At school level, associations included a larger male population in classes, broader student pregnancy knowledge, and relationships with trusted adults. The analysis identifies correlates, not causal effects of these factors.
Key findings
- Among 1,057 adolescents in 20 schools, more positive attitudes were associated with being male, condom access, and knowledge about condom use and pregnancy prevention.
- At school level, more positive attitudes were associated with a larger male population in classes and broader student pregnancy knowledge.
- Relationships with trusted adults were also associated with more positive attitudes toward condom use.
Why it matters
Attitudes toward condom use may be shaped by both adolescents’ own knowledge and access and the social environment around them. The findings highlight peers, trusted adults, and school contexts as relevant considerations when designing education about sexual and reproductive health, while not establishing that changing these factors will change attitudes or behavior.
What to keep in mind
The analysis reports associations and does not establish causal effects of individual or school-level factors on attitudes or condom-use behavior.