Helping to explain young people's use and non-use of contraception : interactional and dynamic influences

Coleman, Lester Michael (2000) Helping to explain young people's use and non-use of contraception : interactional and dynamic influences. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Record type: Thesis (Doctoral)

Abstract

The self-administered screening questionnaires (n=424) distributed to young people's clinics generated predominantly descriptive data; they provided a broad socio-demographic profile of the clinic attenders and also measured aspects of their sexual behaviour. From those clinic attenders who volunteered for interview, the analyses of these data allowed a wide variety of young people to be recruited into the study. The key findings are that previous behaviour, delaying first intercourse with a current or recent partner and talking to the partner about contraception before this intercourse, are both associated with an increased likelihood of contraceptive and condom use.

The round 1 interviews (n=56), undertaken among attenders at young peoples' clinics, youth clubs and young advisory centres, identify a number of interactional themes which collectively help to explain the likelihood of 'risk' and 'no risk' situations (these findings are preceded by the main methodological issues associated with this thesis). Indeed, the role of verbal communication, and especially the difficulties reported by some people in initiating such discussion, are especially detailed and appear to be particularly influential. All interviewees recorded their intentions towards using condoms with new partners.

The round 2 interviews (n=22) identify six contrasting patterns of condom use/non-use according to the intentions, expectations and behaviour relationship for those experiencing intercourse with a new partner since the first round of interviews. These patterns are identified as consistent users, converted users, influenced users, over-optimists, the resigned and the constant non-users. The dynamics of change are also detailed, with respondents reporting an increased awareness towards contraception and STI, a greater consistently in the use of contraception and a greater likelihood of attending a sexual health service since their first ever intercourse. The main triggers for such changes are attributed to respondents' personal experiences and the experiences of their friends and family.

Text

755081.pdf - Version of Record

Available under License University of Southampton Thesis Licence.

Download (13MB)