Does pregnancy/paternity intention predict contraception use? A study among US soldiers who have completed initial entry training. Issue 3 (1st July 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: O'Rourke, Kathleen; Roddy, Mary; Richman, Alice; Custer, Michael
• Is Part Of: Journal of family planning and reproductive health care. Volume 34:Issue 3(2008)
• Page Start: 165
• Page End: 168
• Publication Date: 2008-07-01
• Subjects: contraception use -- family planning -- unintended pregnancy/paternity -- US Army; Birth control -- Periodicals; Contraception -- Periodicals; Reproductive health -- Periodicals; 613.905
• DOI: 10.1783/147118908784734891
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-1893

Abstract

Abstract : Background and methodology: The US Army represents a community of young adults at risk for unintended pregnancy/paternity. Our study evaluated the effect of pregnancy/paternity intention on contraceptive choice amongst new, sexually active and non-pregnant recruits. A total of 592 males and 503 females completed self-administered surveys asking about pregnancy/paternity intention, contraceptive use at last intercourse, and potential confounding factors. A multidimensional measurement of pregnancy intention was developed. Contraceptive efficacy was categorised as a four-level ordinal variable. Multivariate ordinal regression measured the association between pregnancy/paternity intention and the most efficacious birth control method used at last intercourse. Results: Only 7% of participants planned a pregnancy in the next 6 months, but almost 33% of them used no birth control at last intercourse. Each unit increase in pregnancy avoidance scale was associated with a 14% increase in efficacy of birth control method used ( p <0.0001). Effectiveness of birth control method increased for age ( p = 0.0873), post-secondary education ( p = 0.0142) and male gender ( p = 0.0019.). Binge drinking reduced the likelihood of being in a higher category of birth control use ( p = 0.0258). Discussion and conclusions: Intention to avoid pregnancy and being male was associated with use of higher-level birth control methods.