240743 Age at first intercourse and subsequent contraceptive nonuse

Monday, October 31, 2011

Brianna Magnusson, PhD , Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Monique Brown, MPH , Epidemiology and Community Health, VCU School of Medicine, Richmond, VA
Saba Masho, MD, MPH, DrPH , Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Kate L. Lapane, PhD , Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Background: Sexual debut before age 15 has been associated with increased sexual risk behaviors among teens, but little is known about its affects beyond adolescence. This study examines the relationship between the age of first vaginal intercourse and subsequent contraceptive non-use.

Methods: We identified 3,540 sexually active, fertile women participants of the National Survey on Family Growth (2006-2008). Women were classified as consistent contraceptive users or inconsistent/non-users. Age at first intercourse was determined by self-report and classified as <15, 15-17, and 18+ years. Logistic regression weighted for the complex sampling design provided estimates of the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: Twenty-three percent of women reported inconsistent or nonuse of contraceptives in the year prior to interview. After adjustment for respondent's highest level of education attained, relative to women who were 18 or older at first intercourse women who were <15 years of age at the time of first intercourse had two times the risk of inconsistent or nonuse of contraceptives (adjusted OR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.32-3.31).

Conclusions: Age at first intercourse is associated with inconsistent or nonuse of contraceptives in later life. Primary prevention efforts should be established to empower girls to make informed and autonomous decisions about sexual debut and to prevent sexual victimization. Personalized contraceptive counseling has been demonstrated effective in increasing contraceptive use and should be offered to all women, with particular focus on women who report an early age at first intercourse or other factors associated with inconsistent contraceptive use.

Learning Areas:
Epidemiology

Learning Objectives:
Identify the impact of young age at first intercourse on subsequent contraceptive use patterns.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have had rigorous training and experience in public health research.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Contraceptive Choice, Use and Programmatic Issues
See more of: Population, Reproductive and Sexual Health