Contraceptive method choice among youth in the United States: the importance of relationship context
Kusunoki, Y.; Upchurch, D.M.
Demography 48(4): 1451-1472
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0070-3370 PMID: 21887582 DOI: 10.1007/s13524-011-0061-0Document Number: 218903
We examine the relationship characteristics associated with contraceptive method choice within young people's nonmarital sexual relationships, using data from retrospective relationship histories available in the third wave (2001-2002) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Data-reduction techniques produce a detailed multidimensional characterization of relationship commitment for nonmarital sexual relationships. We then use multilevel analysis to estimate associations between two key relationship characteristics-relationship commitment and couple heterogamy-and the type of contraceptive method used at last sexual intercourse within each relationship. Results indicate that for a given individual, contraceptive method choice varies across relationships as a function of these characteristics, even after we account for important individual and family characteristics and prior relationship experiences.
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