Pushing the Envelope beyond the Pill and Condoms: Teen knowledge and attitudes towards long acting, reversible contraceptives

By age 19, 70% of U.S. teens have had sex; of those, 83% of females and 91% of males used contraception, mainly the pill and condoms. Despite high efficacy rates, use of long acting hormonal contraception remains extremely low among women of all ages. Data from a state-wide focus group study was analyzed to examine teen knowledge, use and attitudes of birth control methods. Focus groups were conducted separately by gender and ethnicity with a total of 91 Latino, 44 African American, and 43 white teens ages 15-17 in four California counties. A confidential survey regarding sexual history was administered prior to the group. Results revealed that 40% of participants were sexually experienced, 90% of whom reported using contraception at least once. Use of hormonal contraceptives was low, but mirrored national trends: 15% of females and 7% of males reported using the pill with their partner, 10% of females reported use of Depo Provera, and less than 3% reported use of the Patch or NuvaRing. Focus groups revealed that participants' contraceptive knowledge was mainly about the pill and condoms because other youth use these methods and health providers discuss these methods. Females were more aware of non-pill long acting methods, gaining awareness through television commercials and older family members. Participants stated these methods are for older women, and expressed concerns about access, efficacy, cost, and severe side effects. Based on these findings we offer programmatic and policy recommendation for providers working with sexually active adolescents.