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Dual contraceptive use among adolescents and young adults: correlates and implications for condom use and sexually transmitted infection outcomes
  1. Julia E Hood1,
  2. Matthew Hogben2,
  3. Maggie Chartier3,
  4. Gail Bolan4,
  5. Heidi Bauer5
  1. 1Epidemiologist II, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
  2. 2Chief, Social & Behavioral Research & Evaluation Branch, Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
  3. 3National Public Health Clinical Psychologist, Department of Veteran Affairs, San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
  4. 4Division Director, Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
  5. 5Chief, STD Control Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
  1. Correspondence to Ms Julia Hood, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, F263 Health Sciences Building, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195-7236, USA; juliahehood{at}gmail.com

Abstract

Background Simultaneous condom and hormonal contraception usage (‘dual method use’) maximises protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection (STI), although there is concern that promotion of this strategy could result in diminished condom use and inadvertently increase STI risk. In this study, we (1) assessed how the use of dual methods, versus condoms alone, related to STI and consistency of condom use and (2) described the correlates of dual use.

Methods A sample of 1450 young people aged 12–25 years were surveyed and screened for chlamydia and gonorrhoea at non-clinical sites in two high morbidity Californian counties in 2002–2003. Differences in STI prevalence and reported consistency of condom use were assessed for ‘condom only’ and ‘dual method’ users. Correlates of dual use were analysed via multivariate polytomous logistic regression.

Results Condom only and dual method users did not significantly differ in terms of STI prevalence or reported consistency of condom use. Sex, age, race and relationship tenure were significant correlates of dual use.

Discussion In these observational data, dual method use did not detrimentally affect STI risk. If interpreted alongside each subgroups’ risk patterns for STI and unplanned pregnancy, the correlates of dual use can inform STI and pregnancy prevention interventions.

  • condom
  • hormonal contraception
  • oral contraceptives
  • sexually transmitted infections

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