Karl Peltzer1, Supa Pengpid2. 1. ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Madidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhonpathom, Thailand, 73170; Department of Psychology, University of Limpopo, Turfloop, Sovenga 0727, South Africa; HIV, STIs and TB (HAST) Research programme, Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Pretoria 0001, South Africa. 2. ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Madidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhonpathom, Thailand, 73170; Department of Research, University of Limpopo, Turfloop, Sovenga 0727, South Africa.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate contraceptive non-use and associated factors (socio-demographics, sexual behaviour, internal assets and mental health) among undergraduate university students in 22 countries. METHODS: Using anonymous questionnaires, data was collected from 16979 undergraduate university students (mean age 20.8, SD=2.8) from 23 universities in 22 countries. RESULTS: Of the total sample of 16979 undergraduate university students, 7032 (41.9%) reported to have been sexually active in the past 12 months. Of those who had been sexually active, 42.6% reported never (42.7% among male and 42.6% among female students) using contraceptives in the past 12 months. In multivariate regression analysis, among both men and women, younger age, religious affiliation (Hindu; and among women only being Muslim), intrinsic religiosity, and sexually protective behaviour were associated with contraceptive non-use. Lack of internal assets (among men, low life satisfaction and lack of personal control, and among women low personal mastery) ; among women not having depressive symptoms and among men having PTSD symptoms were associated with contraceptive non-use. CONCLUSION: Low contraceptive use was found and several factors identified as associated with contraceptive non-use may help guide intervention efforts.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate contraceptive non-use and associated factors (socio-demographics, sexual behaviour, internal assets and mental health) among undergraduate university students in 22 countries. METHODS: Using anonymous questionnaires, data was collected from 16979 undergraduate university students (mean age 20.8, SD=2.8) from 23 universities in 22 countries. RESULTS: Of the total sample of 16979 undergraduate university students, 7032 (41.9%) reported to have been sexually active in the past 12 months. Of those who had been sexually active, 42.6% reported never (42.7% among male and 42.6% among female students) using contraceptives in the past 12 months. In multivariate regression analysis, among both men and women, younger age, religious affiliation (Hindu; and among women only being Muslim), intrinsic religiosity, and sexually protective behaviour were associated with contraceptive non-use. Lack of internal assets (among men, low life satisfaction and lack of personal control, and among women low personal mastery) ; among women not having depressive symptoms and among men having PTSD symptoms were associated with contraceptive non-use. CONCLUSION: Low contraceptive use was found and several factors identified as associated with contraceptive non-use may help guide intervention efforts.
Entities:
Keywords:
Birth control; internal assets; mental health; multi-country; practice; sexual variables; socio-demographic factors; undergraduate students
Authors: Amy M Kilbourne; Amy C Justice; Bruce L Rollman; Kathleen A McGinnis; Linda Rabeneck; Sharon Weissman; Susan Smola; Richard Schultz; Jeff Whittle; Maria Rodriguez-Barradas Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2002-07 Impact factor: 5.128