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Published on: November 21, 2013
Contraceptive behavior among sexually active Hispanic adolescents
R H Durant1, C Seymore, R Pendergrast
1Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912-3770.
Summary
Hispanic female adolescents
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Adolescent Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Contraceptive use among Hispanic female adolescents is a critical public health issue.
- Understanding factors influencing contraceptive behavior is essential for effective interventions.
- Previous research has not fully explored the multifaceted determinants of contraceptive practices in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify social, behavioral, and demographic factors associated with contraceptive behavior in a national sample of Hispanic female adolescents.
- To determine the predictive power of these factors on contraceptive practices.
- To inform targeted strategies for improving adolescent reproductive health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 1982 National Survey of Family Growth, including 85 unmarried, sexually active Hispanic females aged 15-19.
- Measured contraceptive behavior on a normalized scale from oral contraceptives to no contraception.
- Employed multiple regression analysis to identify significant predictors of contraceptive behavior.
Main Results:
- Mexican/American and Central/South American females were more likely to use effective birth control compared to other Hispanic subgroups.
- Seven key variables explained 62% of the variation in contraceptive behavior.
- Poorer contraceptive behavior was linked to noncompliance with methods, lower coital frequency, older age at menarche, and lack of use at first intercourse.
Conclusions:
- Contraceptive behavior among Hispanic female adolescents is a dynamic process influenced by a combination of factors.
- Previous sexual and contraceptive experiences significantly shape current practices.
- Findings underscore the need for comprehensive approaches addressing individual behaviors and socio-demographic contexts to enhance contraceptive use.
Keywords:
AdolescentsAdolescents, FemaleAge FactorsAmericasBehaviorComparative StudiesContraceptionContraceptive Usage--determinantsCultural BackgroundData AnalysisDemographic FactorsDemographic SurveysDeveloped CountriesEthnic GroupsFamily PlanningFertilityHispanicsIntermediate VariablesNorth AmericaNorthern AmericaPopulationPopulation CharacteristicsPopulation DynamicsPsychosocial FactorsReproductive Behavior--determinantsResearch MethodologyStudiesUnited StatesYouth
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