Sexually transmitted diseases, human immunodeficiency virus, and pregnancy prevention. Combined contraceptive practices among urban African-American early adolescents
B. F. Stanton, X. Li, J. Galbraith, S. Feigelman and L. Kaljee
Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the success of efforts to educate youth not only to
use prescription contraceptives to avoid pregnancy, but also to use condoms
to avoid sexually transmitted diseases, including infection with the human
immunodeficiency virus. METHODS: Longitudinal study of 383 African-American
youth aged 9 to 15 years enrolled in a randomized, controlled trial of an
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) risk reduction intervention. Data
about contraceptive practices were obtained at baseline and 6, 12, and 18
months later using a culturally and developmentally appropriate risk
assessment tool administered with "talking" computers (Macintosh, Apple
Computer Inc, Cupertino, Calif). RESULTS: Approximately three fourths of
sexually active youth used some form of contraception in each 6-month
round, with almost half of the youth using combinations of contraceptives.
Among all youth at baseline and among control youth throughout the study,
more than half used condoms and more than two thirds who used oral
contraceptives also used condoms. Receipt of an AIDS education intervention
was associated with use of more effective contraceptive practices (eg,
condoms and another prescription or nonprescription method of birth
control). After receiving the intervention, more than 80% of the youth who
used oral contraceptives also used condoms. Contraceptive practices showed
considerable stability. Knowledge about AIDS was positively associated with
use of more effective contraceptive methods. CONCLUSIONS: Many youth are
using condoms and prescription birth control simultaneously, and these use
rates can be increased through AIDS education interventions.
