 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Marla Eisenberg, ScD, MPH1, Linda H Bearinger, PhD, MS2, Renee E. Sieving, PhD, RNC1, Carolyne Swain, MS3, and Michael Resnick, PhD1. (1) Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, University of Minnesota, 200 Oak Street, SE., Ste. 260, Minneapolis, MN 55455, 612-626-2942, eisen012@tc.umn.edu, (2) Center for Adolescent Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, 6-193 WDH, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, (3) Title X/Region V Family Planning Training Program, MPRES, Inc., 316 North Milwaukee, Ste 440, Milwaukee, WI 53202
This study describes parents’ beliefs about the effectiveness, safety, and usability of condoms and OCs, and identifies differences in these beliefs by personal characteristics. Findings are compared with the best available evidence on the effectiveness and safety of these methods. Telephone surveys of 1069 parents of 13-17 year olds were conducted in the spring of 2002. Measures included six items on the efficacy, safety, and usability of condoms and OCs. Additional personal characteristics were assessed. Pearson Chi-square tests were used to identify differences in attitudes according to personal characteristics. Results indicate that a substantial proportion of parents underestimate the effectiveness and safety of condoms and OCs. Less than half of parents thought condoms were highly effective for STI prevention, yet the CDC has concluded that they prevent HIV transmission in 98%-100% of high-risk sexual encounters. Additionally, less than half thought perfect use of condoms was highly effective for pregnancy prevention, yet prevention rates are 97%. Only half of parents thought OCs were highly effective, yet they prevent pregnancy in 99.9% of cases. Men tended to have more favorable views of condoms than women, and women had more favorable views about OCs than men. Additional differences by race and religion were apparent. Politically conservative parents held very negative views on condoms and OCs. These findings suggest that programs encouraging parent-child communication about sexuality should strive to educate parents with medically accurate information. Information should also be tailored to certain demographic groups of parents, and disentangled from political rhetoric.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Contraceptives, Adolescent Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.