Sex Differences in Barriers to Contraceptive Use Among Adolescents

Citation

Pesa, J. A.; Turner, L. W.; & Mathews, J. (2001). Sex Differences in Barriers to Contraceptive Use Among Adolescents. Journal of Pediatrics. vol. 139 (5) pp. 689-694

Abstract

Objective: To examine sex differences in barriers to contraceptive use by using a national sample of 4539 participants from The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Study design: The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health used a stusdy design in which data from Wave 1 were collected between 1994 and 1995. Participants older than 15 years or sexually active were queried regarding various real or potential barriers to contraceptive use. Results: Boys were significantly more likely than girls to believe that using birth control interferes with pleasure during intercourse, is difficult to obtain, is morally wrong, is expensive, is bothersome, involves too much planning, and makes people think they are seeking sex. Significant differences were observed between boys and girls on a summative barrier scale. Conclusions: Male adolescents held stronger views regarding barriers to contraceptive use. More effective and relevant programming can take place at the school and community levels to address these potential barriers on the basis of sex differences.

URL

https://doi.org/10.1067/mpd.2001.118569

Keyword(s)

Add Health

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Pediatrics

Author(s)

Pesa, J. A.
Turner, L. W.
Mathews, J.

Year Published

2001

Volume Number

139

Issue Number

5

Pages

689-694

DOI

10.1067/mpd.2001.118569

Reference ID

56