Abstract
Despite the availability of effective contraceptives, adolescent pregnancy remains a formidable health issue. Previous studies of adolescent contraceptive risk-taking have been atheoretical in nature and have been analyzed in univariate and bivariate modes. The purpose of this study was to test a multivariate theoretical model which predicts (1) the decision to use contraceptives and (2) the choice of a specific method. The model consists of: premarital sexual standards and experiences→frequency of coitus→perceived probability of pregnancy→cognitive assessment of pregnancy→contraceptive activity. The model was tested using a recent national (U.S.A.) representative sample of nonmarried, sexually active females ages 15 to 20 years (n=1010) and was analyzed with three multiple regression analysis models. The number of years of sexual activity and the frequency of attendance at religious services were associated with coital frequency (R=.17, p<0001). Coital frequency, followed by post menarchial age and years dating also had a direct effect on contraceptive use (R=.23, p<0001). Attitude toward pregnancy, previous professional birth control advice, compliance with first contraceptive method, coital frequency and the source of their first family planning services were highly associated with contraceptive use (r=.84, p<0.0001). These data support the model and provide insight into the decision process used by adolescents to take contraceptive risks.
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