Shanghai premarital adolescent use of contraceptive methods and analysis of influencing factors
Gao, E.; Tu, X.; Yuan, W.
Chinese Journal of Population Science 9(4): 375-388
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 1044-8403 PMID: 12294147 Document Number: 342639
This study examined patterns and determinants of contraceptive use among a sample of couples in urban and rural Shanghai, China. Data were obtained from surveys conducted during 1995-96 among 2580 couples who underwent premarital physical exams. Findings indicate that 69.3% of couples had a premarital sexual experience. Younger respondents had higher rates of premarital sexual experience (PSE). The average age of first sexual experience was 21.8 years. 48.6% of women who had PSE had their first sex under 1 year prior to their premarital physical exam. Premarital sex was higher in rural areas and ranged between urban and rural areas. Among 1789 women who had PSE, 39.8% had been pregnant. 89.6% had an abortion. Only 21.8% used contraception at first sexual experience. Contraceptive use at first experience was higher in urban areas. 83.4% of females and 78.6% of males reported nonuse due to the unexpectedness of the event. 42.8% used condoms at their first sexual experience, 24.0% used withdrawal, 17.5% used the pill, and 14.2% used a period of abstinence. 65.3% of contraceptives were obtained from drug stores. Older women preferred abstinence periods. Contraceptive use was higher among women in urban areas compared to suburban and rural areas. Peasants had the lowest levels of use. Multivariate models revealed that urban population, with higher education, with a mother who set strict rules, with a clear idea of the harm of abortion, and with more peer use were more likely to use. The survey revealed a need for sex education at early ages.