Objective: To determine the prevalence and predictors of high risk sexual behaviour and condom use among high school adolescents in Ethiopia. Methods: A sample of 1,616 high school students (mean age=16.60; 50.6%=male) from 10 towns across Ethiopia was surveyed with a questionnaire about sexual and preventive behaviours, reproductive health knowledge and condom use related beliefs. Multivariate statistical methods were used to analyze data. Results: Twenty nine percent (n=469) of the adolescents had at least one sexual experience in the past with an average of 4 (SD=7) partners. High risk sexual behaviours included: multiple partnered sex (67.8%), sex with casual partner 44.0%), sex after drinking (27.4%), sex with sex worker or for material gain (19.5), and history of STD (10.9%). Less than a third (30.1%) of the adolescents have used condom in the past although only 11.0% used condom consistently. On the other hand, 45.5 and 44.1% expressed intention to be sexually active and to use condom in the future respectively. Multiple partnered sex was predicted by sex (male) and older age (R2=.066, p is less than 001) while intention to be sexually active was predicted by sex female), monthly family income, and perceived norm for sex R2=.113, p is less than .001). Past condom use was predicted by perceived norm for condom use, condom use self-efficacy, positive condom use belief, intention to use condom, and monthly family income (R2=.165, p is less than .001). Finally, intention to use condom was predicted by sex (male), perceived health risk, positive condom use beliefs, past condom use and condom use self-efficacy (R2=.325, p is less than .001). Conclusions: High risk sexual behaviours were highly prevalent among Ethiopian high school adolescents. However, only a small proportion of these adolescents are using condom consistently. Demographic characteristics, beliefs about condom use, and particularly perceived social norm and self-efficacy were important predictors of sexual behaviour and condom use. Relevance of findings to AIDS/STD prevention efforts are discussed.

*Condoms/UTILIZATION *Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice *Sex Behavior *Sexually Transmitted Diseases/PREVENTION & CONTROL

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