Influence of Religious Affiliation on Birth Control Use at First Intercourse: Examining Possible Pathways

Introduction

U.S. adults aged 15-25 make up 25% of the sexually active population, yet 50% of new sexually transmitted infections (CDC, 2009). Research suggests that adolescent religiosity is associated with responsible sexual behavior, but the protective mechanisms are less clear. This study examined the association between religion and adolescent sexual risk behavior–specifically, use of a modern method of birth control (MMBC) at first intercourse – and the potential mediating roles of parent-child communication, formal sex education, and frequency of religious service attendance.

Methods

This study focused on participants in the 2006-2010 cycle of the National Survey of Family Growth aged 15-24 years (female n= 2,754,  male n= 2,514) . Logistic regression was used to determine whether religious affiliation was associated with use of MMBC at first intercourse, while examining three possible mediators:  parent-child communication, formal sex education, and frequency of religious service attendance at age 14.

Results

Approximately 75% of respondents used MMBC at first intercourse. Rates of comprehensive sex education and parent-child communication were similar across both gender and religious affiliation. Religious affiliation was significantly associated with use of MMBC for only Catholic males, who were slightly more likely to use MMBC than nonreligious males.  This association was mediated by parent-child communication about sex.

 Conclusions

Results indicated that parents may engage in different conversations about sex child based on their child’s gender, regardless of religious affiliation.  This suggests that health promotion materials should be tailored based on gender for parents to effectively communicate with their children about sex.