Adolescent clinic visits for contraception: support from mothers, male partners and friends

To increase effective contraceptive use among adolescents at high risk of pregnancy, it is important to understand what factors influence them to visit a clinic for contraception, including support from their mothers, male partners and friends.

Data from a prospective cohort study of 399 teenage clinic attendees using the pill, the implant or condoms were collected through a questionnaire at baseline and at a one-year follow-up interview. Data were analyzed using multivariate regression analysis to show differences in social support for adolescents' clinic visit at baseline and method continuation at one year.

Almost all teenagers (96%) reported that their mother, a male partner or a friend was aware of their clinic visit for contraception; of these, 92-96% also said that their mother or a male partner was supportive. Teenagers who chose the pill or implant were more likely than condom users to report that their mother and male partner were aware and that their mother was supportive of their contraceptive clinic visit. Implant users were significantly more likely than those who chose the pill or condom to continue using their chosen method for one year. Teenagers who took part in high-risk behaviors were more likely than others to involve a friend but not their mother or a male partner in their contraceptive decision-making.

Pregnancy prevention programs and counseling protocols that integrate supportive networks for teenagers into contraceptive services may help adolescents to use effective methods.