Adolescent contraceptive behavior: A review.

Abstract

This review examines the psychologically oriented literature on adolescent contraceptive use. Descriptive studies, individual difference studies, and theory-based studies from family planning, medical, and applied journals are covered, as well as studies appearing in psychology journals. The research covered suggests that adolescents are largely uninformed about reproductive physiology and about many methods of contraception. They have negative attitudes toward contraception generally and toward using contraceptives. The widespread nonuse of contraception by sexually active adolescents is not irrational, given their levels of information and their beliefs and attitudes. Psychological models using cognitive, emotional, and developmental factors have been used to predict and explain these behaviors, and they hold promise for future research.Someday you'll find a chap you'll love with your whole heart and who will adore you as wholeheartedly. When that time comes you'll be glad if you've kept the intimate parts of your body for him. You'll understand then how cheap it is to allow yourself to be handled for a mere sexual thrill. (Schultz, 1955, p. 192) Birth control is probably the most important thing for young people to know about sex, because to enjoy sex and make it part of caring, it is absolutely essential to be sure you won't produce a baby unless you want one. (Comfort & Comfort, 1979, p. 70) Attitudes toward adolescent sexuality have changed greatly during the past three decades. There have been even more dramatic changes in contraceptive technology during the same period, including the introduction of oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (ILTDs), and, most recently, the contraceptive sponge. Despite these changes, adolescent pregnancy rates continue to rise. In 1978, 1.14 million American teenagers-over 10% of all teenage women-became pregnant. The large majority of these pregnancies were unplanned and unwanted. Over 80% were conceived premaritally, and almost 40% ended in abortion (Alan Guttmacher Institute, 1981). In 1979, one

The attitude/behavior discrepancy as a methodological artifact: comment on 'sexually active adolescents and condoms'.

“…This is an important point, because adolescents are notorious for not using contraception. 40 If the respondents were not really engaged in contraceptive decision making (as, for example, the teen clients of a family-planning clinic would be), but were role playing at the behest of the researchers, then the behavioral intentions questions become problematic, as they must be answered from a real-life perspective.…”

“…In fact, several surveys have indicated that a major reason for the nonuse of contraception among adolescents is that intercourse was unexpected. 40 It is difficult to plan ahead for unanticipated events. Researchers must be very careful not to assume decision making or planning where it may not exist.42…”

Patterns of Oral Contraceptive Pill-taking and Condom Use among Adolescent Contraceptive Pill Users

“…Over 60% of contraception users switch methods at some time point, and many discontinue a method within the first three months of use [6][7][8][9]. Variable patterns of OCP pill-taking during periods of transition into and out of OCP use may make these especially vulnerable times in terms of method adherence [10]. Condom use during transition periods is especially important for contraceptive as well as STI prevention purposes.…”

Factores asociados a la continuidad del uso anticonceptivo en adolescentes solteras nulíparas

“…Reglas y sanciones a las violaciones de las normas familiares, supervisión por otros 17,18 como mejor nivel educacional del padre [20][21][22][23] , edad materna, número de hermanos, fueron asociados a la sobrevida del uso de anticonceptivos. Sin embargo, otras variables como filiación, figura de crianza, composición familiar y actividad de los padres, no mostró asociación, lo I N V E S T I G A C I Ó N cual es consistente con lo encontrado en otros estudios 17,[19][20][21][22] .…”

“…¿Es que los padres más educados tienden a conversar más abiertamente de anticonceptivos con sus hijos y a apoyar más el uso de anticonceptivos de adolescentes? [20][21][22][23] . No hay estudios que demuestren que variables familiares como composición familiar y tamaño de la familia, nivel socioeconómico, esté relacionada directamente al uso de anticonceptivos en adolescentes 17,[19][20][21][22] .…”