Reasons for Nonuse of Contraception by Sexually Active Women Aged 15-19

Analysis of data from a 1976 US national probability sample survey (approximately 700 Rs, aged 15-19) examines the reasons for nonuse of contraception by premaritally sexually active Fs. Reasons for nonuse were elicited for the last reported intercourse, or, in the case of pregnant Rs, for the time conception was believed to have occurred. Rs were categorized according to those who: (1) had intercourse only once, (2) had intercourse more than once, & (3) were pregnant at the time of the interview. In addition to contraceptive use & reasons for nonuse, data were tabulated according to: (A) pregnancy intention, (B) race, (C) time of last nonuse in relation to first & last use, (D) pregnancy history at time of last nonuse, & (E) age at last nonuse & current age. Approximately 50% of Rs believed they could get pregnant. Blacks were more likely than whites to believe that noncontraception would result in pregnancy. Belief in the chances of becoming pregnant appear to depend on the timing of intercourse relative to previous or subsequent contraception, pregnancy history, & age at first intercourse. Of the Rs who knew they risked pregnancy, the major reason cited for nonuse of contraception was that they did not anticipate having intercourse. Of those who thought they could not get pregnant, most believed they were too young, had intercourse too infrequently, or that it was the wrong time of the month. The results point to the inadequacy of current family planning & sex education programs & the need for new, more imaginative approaches. 7 Tables. R. Portwood.