Condom-method failure rates and user-failure rates are well documented in the literature. However, researchers are only just beginning to establish abstinence user-failure rates. This presentation, based on an article published recently in Health Education and Behavior and new data on abstinence-user failure rates from the YRBS, reviews existing research on condom and abstinence-method failure and user-failure rates, and the implication of the research for sexuality education policy. While the abstinence method failure rate may be considered zero because it is 100% effective when used consistently, too often this rate is compared incorrectly with condom user-failure rates of between 12% to 70% when in fact the condom method failure is only between 0.5% to 7%. In fact, no researchers have established a total abstinence user-failure rate. Since inconsistent use of either condoms or abstinence threatens adolescents' health, this presentation urges more scientific research on abstinence user-failure rates and sets up parameters by which to do so. It urges researchers to provide better and clearer dissemination of research findings about abstinence-user failure rates so that community and educational leaders can use scientific data in their policy decisions. Before abstinence-only sexuality education can be safely recommended for adolescents, such rates need to be determined.
Learning Objectives: 1. Articulate differences between abstinence-method failure and abstinence-user failure rates and similar failure rates for latex condoms. 2. Develop new statistical formulas to establish abstinence-user failure rates. 3. Recognize the policy implications of establishing abstinence user failure rates for school curricula
Keywords: Contraceptives, Policy/Policy Development
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.