Age differences between sexual partners in the United States

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Sociology
• Demography

Background:

• Limited research exists on the age of partners in current sexual relationships for young women.
• Previous studies focused on age at first intercourse or first birth, not ongoing relationships or abortion history.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine age differences between young women and their partners in current sexual relationships.
• To analyze contraceptive use and pregnancy rates in relation to partner age differences.
• To identify factors associated with relationships involving older male partners.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG).
• Incorporated data from the Alan Guttmacher Institute Abortion Patient Survey (1994-1995).
• Analyzed contraceptive use, marital status, and pregnancy rates by age difference with partner.

Main Results:

• 18% of sexually active women aged 15-44 had partners 6+ years older; this was more common in younger age groups (15-17).
• Women under 18 with partners 6+ years older had 3.7 times higher pregnancy rates and lower contraceptive use (66%) compared to those with similar-aged partners (78%).
• Factors like religious affiliation and relationship initiation context influenced partner age differences.

Conclusions:

• Adolescents (15-17) with significantly older partners are a concern due to low contraceptive use and high pregnancy/birth rates.
• Further research is essential to understand motivations for relationships with older partners and their influence on reproductive choices.
• Investigating partner characteristics' impact on young women's reproductive behavior is crucial.