Factors Associated with Contraceptive Use Differ between Younger and Older African-American Female Adolescents

• Authors: Kristie Elizabeth North Clarke, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Joan Marie Kraft, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Jeffrey B. Wiener, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Kendra Hatfield-Timajchy, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Melissa Kottke, Emory University; Jessica Sales, Emory University; Peggy Goedken, Emory University; Athena Kourtis, Emory University
• Journal Title: Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
• Volume: Volume 29, Number 5
• Publisher: Elsevier | 2016-10-01, Pages 448-453
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2016.01.129
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology; Sociology, Public and Social Welfare
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Obstetrics & Gynecology; Pediatrics; Contraception; Condoms; African American; Adolescent; Pregnancy; Sexually transmitted infection; WOMEN

Abstract

Study Objective To examine differences in factors associated with contraceptive use between younger and older adolescent age groups, which has not previously been well described. Design Age group-specific analyses were performed on cross-sectional survey data to identify factors associated with any contraceptive use at last sex among younger (14- to 16-year-old) and older (17- to 19-year-old) sexually active African American female adolescents; interaction analyses were used to assess whether these associations differed by age. Setting Adolescent reproductive health clinic in Atlanta, Georgia. Participants Sexually active African American female adolescents 14-19 years of age. Interventions No intervention tested; cross-sectional design. Main Outcome Measure Self-reported contraceptive use during most recent vaginal sex with a male partner. Results The prevalence of contraceptive use at last sex was identical in both groups; however, factors associated with contraceptive use differed according to age. The only factor associated with contraceptive use in both age groups was involvement in decisions about sexual health in the most recent relationship. Associations between factors and contraceptive use significantly differed according to age. History of sexually transmitted infection, age difference with partner, discussion of condoms with partner, and concurrent partners were important factors among younger adolescents; worry about pregnancy and discussion of birth control with partner were important among older adolescents. Conclusion Factors associated with contraceptive use at last sex differ according to adolescent age; this should be considered when designing counseling and interventions for teens, as well as research.