Upadhyay UD, Raifman S, Raine-Bennett T. Effects of relationship context on contraceptive use among young women.
Contraception 2016;
94:68-73. [PMID:
26994674 DOI:
10.1016/j.contraception.2016.02.025]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To understand how relationship status influences contraceptive use among young people.
STUDY DESIGN
Data were collected as part of a longitudinal study on hormonal contraception among unmarried adolescent and young women who wanted to avoid pregnancy for at least one year, recruited at family planning clinics in the San Francisco Bay Area. Follow-up surveys were completed at 3, 6, and 12months. Longitudinal analysis was used to examine whether relationship characteristics, including type and length of sexual relationship are associated with current use of effective contraception.
RESULTS
Among women with a partner at baseline, 78%, 70%, and 61% had the same partner at 3, 6, and 12months follow up, respectively. Women in casual relationships were less likely to use effective contraceptive methods, compared to women in consistent relationships (AOR=0.67, p<.01). Women in new relationships (0-3months) were less likely to use effective contraceptive methods (AOR=0.60, p<.001) compared to women in relationships more than one year in length. Younger women (AOR=0.76, p<.05), black women (AOR=0.67, p<.05) and Latina women (AOR=0.73, p<.05) were also significantly less likely to use effective contraception. These effects remained even after controlling for condom use.
CONCLUSIONS
Relationship type and length are independently significantly associated with current effective contraceptive use among adolescent and young women. Women in casual relationships and new relationships were significantly less likely to use effective contraceptive methods.
IMPLICATIONS
Family planning providers should discuss women's relationship context and association with contraceptive use in order to help women think of contraception as a long-term personal strategy. Since relationship status affects contraceptive use, providers and programs that aim to reduce unintended pregnancy can consider strategies to create a paradigm shift around contraceptive use that focuses on the woman's reproductive goals, current life stage, and life goals.
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