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Correlates of using dual methods for sexually transmitted diseases
and pregnancy prevention among high-risk African-American female teens.
Journal of Adolescent Health 2001;28(5):410-414.
Crosby RA, DiClemente RJ, Wingood GM, Sionean C, Cobb BK, Harrington
K, Davies SL, Hook EW, Oh MK.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To identify correlates of consistent dual-method use among African-American
female adolescents at risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and pregnancy.
METHODS: A convenience sample of 522 sexually active female teens attending
adolescent medicine clinics, health department clinics, and school health
classes volunteered. Recruitment sites were in low-income neighborhoods of
Birmingham, Alabama. Adolescents completed a questionnaire and a face-to-face
interview and provided vaginal swab specimens for laboratory diagnosis of
STDs. Those reporting use of condoms and at least one other method of contraception,
for each of the last five occasions they had sex were classified as consistent
dual-method users. The questionnaire assessed frequency of adolescents' communication
with their parents and partners about sex. The questionnaire also assessed
two measures of parental supervision and adolescents' desire to avoid pregnancy.
Multiple logistic regression assessed the independent contribution of each
correlate of consistent dual-method use. RESULTS: Seventy-one adolescents
(13.6%) were classified as consistent dual-method users. A strong desire
to avoid pregnancy was the most influential correlate of consistent dual-method
use [odds ratio (OR) =2.3]. Adolescents reporting that their parents generally
knew whom they were with (OR = 2.0) and those reporting more frequent communication
with parents (OR = 1.9) were also more likely to be consistent dual users.
CONCLUSION: The findings suggest the need for research to examine the efficacy
of interventions building on adolescent females' desire to avoid pregnancy.
Study findings also suggest that interventions promoting improved parent-adolescent
communication and improved parental supervision may contribute to adolescents'
use of dual methods for STD and pregnancy prevention.