Contraceptive knowledge, contraceptive use, and pregnancy risk experience among young Manawatu women
Trlin, A.D.; Perry, P.E.
New Zealand Medical Journal 96(746): 1055-1058
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-8446 PMID: 6581412 Document Number: 206449
The contraceptive knowledge, use, and desire for information of never married Manawatu women ages 16-19 were examined, distinguishing between respondents with and without pregnancy risk (coital) experience. Overall, 45.7% of the women had ever been at risk, the percentage varying positively with age. Awareness of contraceptive methods (especially the pill and condom) was widespread, particularly among the sexually experienced, a higher percentage of whom had also ever wanted and sought contraceptive information. Women who had never been at risk were less knowledgeable, fewer had ever wanted information (19.3%), and about 1/3 knew of no source of contraceptive information. Few (7.9%) of the sexually experienced had never used any contraceptive methods but others (19.9%) had not yet employed an effective female method. These results, similar to previous studies, indicate a need for school-based sex education.