Multiple Method Contraception Use among African American Adolescents in Four US Cities

• Authors: Jennifer L. Brown, Emory University; Michael Hennessy, University of Pennsylvania; Jessica Sales, Emory University; Ralph Joseph Diclemente, Emory University; Laura F. Salazar, Emory University; Peter A. Vanable, Syracuse University; Michael P. Carey, Syracuse University; Daniel Romer, University of Pennsylvania; Robert F. Valois, University of Pennsylvania; Larry K. Brown, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University; Bonita Stanton, Wayne State University
• Journal Title: Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Volume: Volume 2011, Number 2011
• Publisher: Hindawi Publishing Corporation | 2011-06-10, Pages 1-7
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1155/2011/765917
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

We report on African American adolescents' (N = 850; M age = 15.4) contraceptive practices and type of contraception utilized during their last sexual encounter. Respondents completed measures of demographics, contraceptive use, sexual partner type, and ability to select “safe” sexual partners. 40% endorsed use of dual or multiple contraceptive methods; a total of 35 different contraceptive combinations were reported. Perceived ability to select “safe” partners was associated with not using contraception (OR = 1.25), using less effective contraceptive methods (OR = 1.23), or hormonal birth control (OR = 1.50). Female gender predicted hormonal birth control use (OR = 2.33), use of less effective contraceptive methods (e.g., withdrawal; OR = 2.47), and using no contraception (OR = 2.37). Respondents' age and partner type did not predict contraception use. Adolescents used contraceptive methods with limited ability to prevent both unintended pregnancies and STD/HIV. Adolescents who believed their partners posed low risk were more likely to use contraceptive practices other than condoms or no contraception. Reproductive health practitioners are encouraged to help youth negotiate contraceptive use with partners, regardless of the partner's perceived riskiness.