Adolescents' knowledge of how to use contraceptives
Abstract
This paper explores the level of adolescents' knowledge about how to use contraceptives and the extent to which parent, peer and individual-level variables are related to this knowledge. Survey data from 277 rural and small town adolescents (aged 14-18) were analyzed through correlational and multiple regression techniques. Correlational analyses indicate that the frequency of contraceptive conversations with mother, the quality of communication in general and about birth control with father, the number and level of perceived support and helpfulness of peers, sexual self-concept, gender, age, and virginity status have significant relationships with a teen's level of knowledge about how to use contraceptives. Results of standard multiple regression analysis show that the frequency of birth control discussions with mother, age, gender, and academic performance are unique contributors to the variation in knowledge scores. Exploratory analyses also were run on four subgroups: male virgins, male nonvirgins, female virgins, female nonvirgins.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Jurich, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Families & family life|Personal relationships|Sociology|Health education
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