The roles of partner communication and relationship status in adolescent contraceptive use

Abstract

Introduction: Because of high rates of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections among adolescents, factors influencing adolescents' contraceptive use require close examination. This study explores how different types of partner communication relate to contraceptive use among adolescent girls and whether these associations vary by relationship status.

Method: Cross-sectional, self-report data from 253 sexually active 13- to 17-year-old girls were used to examine associations between partner communication, relationship status, and contraceptive consistency.

Results: In a multivariate analysis, partner communication specific to contraceptive use (RR = 1.3, p < .001) and "steady" partnership status (RR = 0.65, p < .01) were associated with hormonal contraceptive consistency. In interaction models, the impact of partner communication on hormonal consistency was greater in steady partnerships than in casual partnerships.

Discussion: Findings suggest that clinicians should ask about the nature of adolescent girls' relationships with their sexual partners when encouraging contraceptive use. Early communication with partners about sexual topics should be stressed, especially among girls in steady relationships.

Keywords: Contraceptive consistency; adolescent behavior; adolescents; partner sexual communication.