Condom use in adolescents and young women following initiation of long- or short-acting contraceptive methods

Background Young people may be more likely to use condoms if they discuss sexual risks with their parents. However, no previous study has examined whether discussing sexual risks with a parent is differently associated with condom use among women using and not using other contraceptive methods. Methods: Using weighted data from the 2006–2008 National Survey of Family Growth, we examined condom use at last sex among 1206 sexually active unmarried women aged 15–24 years. Using logistic regression, we examined the association between condom use and discussing sexually transmissible infections (STIs) with parents before the age of 18 years, adjusted for women’s characteristics (age, ethnicity, income and condom use at first sex). We estimated the predicted probability of condom use by whether women discussed STIs with parents, stratified by use of other contraceptive methods. Results: Overall, 53% of women used condoms at last sex. Among 564 women using other contraceptives, 42% used condoms, versus 64% of 642 women not using other contraceptive methods (P < 0.01). After adjustment for covariates, the predicted probability of condom use among women using other contraceptives was 47% among women who discussed STIs with their parents (v. 31% of those not discussing STIs; P < 0.01). Among women not using other contraceptives, the predicted probability of condom use remained 64% regardless of whether they discussed STIs with their parents. Conclusions: Young women who use other contraceptive methods are less likely to use condoms, but discussing STIs with parents is associated with increased condom use among these women.

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Data Watch: Contraceptive Methods Used by Young Women

Pediatric News ◽

10.1016/s0031-398x(06)70939-0 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 40 (3) ◽

pp. 38

Keyword(s):

Young Women ◽

Contraceptive Methods

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Data Watch: Contraceptive Methods Used by Young Women

Internal Medicine News ◽

10.1016/s1097-8690(05)72033-3 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 38 (19) ◽

pp. 44

Keyword(s):

Young Women ◽

Contraceptive Methods

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Predictors of contraceptive method discontinuation among adolescent and young women in three West African countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger)

BMC Women s Health ◽

10.1186/s12905-021-01326-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Adja Mariam Ouédraogo ◽

Adama Baguiya ◽

Rachidatou Compaoré ◽

Kadari Cissé ◽

Désiré Lucien Dahourou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Marital Status ◽

Burkina Faso ◽

Young Women ◽

Contraceptive Method ◽

Occupation Number ◽

Education Level ◽

Demographic And Health Surveys ◽

Contraceptive Methods ◽

Unintended Pregnancies ◽

Contraceptive Discontinuation

Abstract Background The effective use of contraception among adolescents and young women can reduce the risk of unintended pregnancies. However, the prevalence of contraceptive use remains low in this age group. The objective of this study was to estimate the rate of contraceptive method discontinuation among adolescents and young women and to identify its associated factors in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Method This was a secondary analysis of data from Demographic and Health Surveys of Burkina Faso (2010), Mali (2012–2013), and Niger (2012). The dependent variable was the time to discontinuation of contraceptive methods. Independent variables were represented by sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and cultural characteristics. Mixed-effects survival analysis with proportional hazards was used to identify the predictors. Results A total of 2,264 adolescents and young women aged 15 to 24 years were included in this analysis, comprising 1,100 in Burkina Faso, 491 in Mali, and 673 in Niger. Over the last five years, the overall contraceptive discontinuation rate was 68.7% (50.1% in Burkina Faso, 59.6% in Mali, and 96.8% in Niger). At the individual level, in Burkina Faso, occupation (aHR = 0.33), number of living children (aHR = 2.17), marital status (aHR = 2.93), and region (aHR = 0.54) were associated with contraceptive discontinuation. Except for education and marital status, we found the same factors in Mali. In Niger, a women's education level (aHR = 1.47) and her partner (aHR = 0.52) were associated with discontinuation. At the community level, the region of origin was associated with discontinuation of contraceptive methods. Conclusion Most adolescents and young women experienced at least one episode of discontinuation. Discontinuation of contraceptive methods is associated with the level of education, occupation, number of children, marital status, and desire for children with the spouse. Promotion of contraceptive interventions should target adolescents, young women, and their partners, as well as those with a low education level or in a union.

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Feasibility study of the Home-based Exercises for Responsible Sex (HERS) intervention to promote correct and consistent condom use among young women

Pilot and Feasibility Studies ◽

10.1186/s40814-021-00885-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nicola Knights ◽

Nicole Stone ◽

Tom Nadarzynski ◽

Katherine Brown ◽

Katie Newby ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Condom Use ◽

Feasibility Study ◽

Young Women ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Recruitment Strategy ◽

Consistent Condom ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Study Objective ◽

Home Based

Abstract Background Male condoms are effective in preventing common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy, if used correctly and consistently. However, condom use errors and problems are common and young people report negative experiences, such as reduced pleasure. The Kinsey Institute Home-Based Exercises for Responsible Sex (KIHERS) is a novel condom promotion intervention for young women, which aims to reduce condom errors and problems, increase self-efficacy and improve attitudes towards condoms, using a pleasure-focussed approach. The study objective was to test the operability, viability and acceptability of an adapted version of the KIHERS intervention with young women aged 16–25 years in the United Kingdom (UK) (Home-Based Exercises for Responsible Sex-UK (HERS-UK). Methods A repeated-measures single-arm design was used, with a baseline (T1) and two follow-up assessments (T2 and T3), conducted 4 weeks and 8 weeks post intervention over a 3-month period. Participants were provided a condom kit containing different condoms and lubricants and were asked to experiment with condoms alone using a dildo and/or with a sexual partner. Ten process evaluation interviews were conducted post intervention. Results Fifty-five young women received the intervention; 36 (65%) completed T2 and 33 (60%) completed T3. Condom use errors and problems decreased, self-efficacy increased and attitudes towards condoms improved significantly. The proportion of participants who reported using a condom for intercourse in the past 4 weeks increased from T1 (20; 47%) to T2 (27; 87%) and T3 (23; 77%) and using lubricant with a condom for intercourse increased from T1 (6; 30%) to T2 (13; 48%)) and T3 (16; 70%). However, motivation to use condoms did not change. Cronbach’s alpha scores indicated good internal consistency of measures used. Qualitative data provided strong evidence for the acceptability of the intervention. Conclusions HERS-UK was implemented as intended and the recruitment strategy was successful within a college/university setting. This feasibility study provided an early indication of the potential effectiveness and acceptability of the intervention, and the benefits of using a pleasure-focussed approach with young women. Measures used captured change in outcome variables and were deemed fit for purpose. Future research should explore cost-effectiveness of this intervention, in a large-scale controlled trial using a diverse sample and targeting young women most at risk of STIs.

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Beliefs and misconceptions about contraception and condom use among adolescents in south-east Nigeria

Reproductive Health ◽

10.1186/s12978-020-01062-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Chinyere Ojiugo Mbachu ◽

Ifunanya Clara Agu ◽

Chinonso Obayi ◽

Irene Eze ◽

Nkoli Ezumah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Condom Use ◽

Sexual Pleasure ◽

Adolescent Boys ◽

Contraceptive Methods ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Modes Of Action ◽

Sexual Behaviours ◽

Risky Sexual Behaviours ◽

Hard Drugs

Abstract Background Misconceptions about the usefulness of condoms and other contraceptives still expose many unmarried adolescents to the risk of unwanted teenage pregnancies and sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). This study explored beliefs and misconceptions about condoms and other contraceptives among adolescents in Ebonyi state, south-east Nigeria. Method A qualitative study was undertaken in six local government areas in Ebonyi state, southeast Nigeria. Data were collected within a period of one month from in and out-of-school adolescents aged 13–18 years using twelve focus group discussions (FGD). The data were analyzed using the thematic framework approach. Result Majority of the adolescents were knowledgeable about methods of contraception, how they are used and their modes of action. They were also knowledgeable about the dual effects of condoms in prevention of pregnancy and STIs. However, some misconceptions that were expressed by some adolescents were that pregnancy could be prevented by the use of (i) hard drugs, (ii) laxatives, (iii) white chlorine, and (iv) boiled alcoholic beverages. Condoms were described by some adolescent boys as reusable. Condoms were also perceived by some adolescents to reduce sexual pleasure, and this opinion was mostly held by boys. Coitus interruptus (withdrawal method) was therefore considered more preferable than condoms for prevention of pregnancy. Conclusion Although majority adolescents have knowledge about contraception and condom use, some misconceptions still persist. These misconceptions put many adolescents at increased risk for pregnancy and STIs which are detrimental to their health and wellbeing. Concerted efforts should be made through educational and behaviour change interventions in schools and within communities to debunk persisting misconceptions about contraception including the use of condom, and properly educate adolescents on safe sex practices. Plain English summary Adolescents engage in unprotected sexual intercourse and other risky sexual behaviours because of some mistaken beliefs and wrong impressions about how to prevent unwanted pregnancy. These risky sexual behaviours predispose adolescents to sexually transmitted infections, unsafe abortion and other reproductive health problems. In this qualitative study, we explored some of these mistaken beliefs about condoms and other methods of preventing pregnancy. During focus group discussions, adolescents identified modern contraceptive methods, and described their modes of action and how they are used. They also discussed their contraceptive preferences and perceived effects of condoms on sexual pleasure. Although some of these adolescents were able to correctly mention various types of contraceptives and their modes of action, there were numerous wrong impressions. Hard drugs, laxatives, white chlorine and boiled alcoholic beverage were listed as emergency contraceptive methods. Emergency pills were perceived to work by flushing away spermatozoa from a girl’s system after sexual intercourse. Male condoms were perceived to be potentially dangerous because they could break and enter into the body of the female sexual partner. Some adolescent boys had the notion that particular brands of male condoms could be washed and reused. Notions about condom use and sexual pleasure varied for girls and boys. Some adolescent girls perceived that condom use during sex increases sexual pleasure because of the assurance of being protected from STIs and pregnancy. Adolescent boys were of the opinion that condoms interfere with the pleasure of direct ‘flesh to flesh’ contact during sex. There was a general belief that contraceptive use in early age reduces fertility prospects for boys and girls. Mistaken beliefs about methods of preventing pregnancy persist among adolescents, and this raises concerns about the quality of information they receive. Concerted efforts should be made to debunk these wrong beliefs and properly educate adolescents on safe sex practices.

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Young women and limits to the normalisation of condom use: a qualitative study

AIDS Care ◽

10.1080/09540120802301857 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 21 (5) ◽

pp. 561-566 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Lisa M. Williamson ◽

Katie Buston ◽

Helen Sweeting

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

Condom Use ◽

Young Women

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Between Embarrassment and Trust: Young Women and the Diversity of Condom Use

AIDS: Responses, Interventions and Care ◽

10.4324/9780203305188-14 ◽

2003 ◽

pp. 132-152

Keyword(s):

Condom Use ◽

Young Women

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Coital frequency and condom use in age-disparate partnerships involving women aged 15 to 24: evidence from a cross-sectional study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024362 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. e024362 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Gavin George ◽

Brendan Maughan-Brown ◽

Sean Beckett ◽

Meredith Evans ◽

Cherie Cawood ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Condom Use ◽

Young Women ◽

Hiv Risk ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Coital Frequency ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Kwazulu Natal

ObjectiveThis study examines the role of age-disparate partnerships on young women’s HIV risk by investigating coital frequency and condom use within age-disparate partnerships involving women aged 15 to 24.DesignA community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted.SettingParticipants were randomly selected using a two-stage random sampling method in uMgungundlovu district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, between June 2014 and June 2015.ParticipantsA total of 1306 15–24-year-old women in an ongoing heterosexual partnership were included in the analysis. Participants had to be a resident in the area for 12 months, and able to provide informed consent and speak one of the local languages (Zulu or English).Primary and secondary outcome measuresSexual frequency was assessed by asking participants how many times they had sex with each partner in the past 12 months. The degree of condomless sex within partnerships was assessed in the survey by asking participants how often they used a condom with their partners.ResultsAge-disparate partnerships were associated with a higher order category (once, 2–5, 6–10, 11–20, >20) of coital frequency (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.32, p<0.05, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.71) and with sex on more than 10 occasions (aOR 1.48, p<0.01, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.96) compared with age-similar partnerships. Age-disparate partnerships were also more likely to involve sex on more than 10 occasions with inconsistent condom use (aOR 1.43, p<0.05, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.96) in the previous 12 months.ConclusionThe finding that increased sexual activity is positively associated with age-disparate partnerships adds to the evidence that age-disparate partnerships pose greater HIV risk for young women. Our study results indicate that interventions to reduce risky sexual behaviour within age-disparate partnerships remain relevant to reducing the high HIV incidence rates among adolescent girls and young women.

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