The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #55828

Jillian T Henderson, MPH, S. Marie Harvey, DrPH, and Meredith Roberts Branch, MPH, CHES. Center for the Study of Women in Society, University of Oregon, 1201 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1201, (541)346-4120, jthender@umich.edu

The persistence of STIs, including HIV, as a major public health problem in the U.S. highlights the necessity for disease prevention in addition to contraception. Although condoms are the best form of protection against HIV and other STIs, they are not the most effective available method for preventing unintended pregnancy. Simultaneous use of condoms and a highly effective contraceptive referred to as dual use provides optimal protection against both disease and pregnancy. However, little is understood about factors that promote or inhibit dual use. The objective of this study is to examine associations of dual method use with women's background characteristics, intrapersonal factors, and relationship characteristics. Data are from a larger, cross-sectional study examining the acceptability of a female-controlled barrier method. Data for this presentation are based on a random sample of women selected from a large managed care organization in the Pacific Northwest who completed a telephone survey and reported use of contraceptives in the past 3 months (n = 371). Three mutually exclusive method use groups are constructed: effective contraceptive only (hormonal methods, intrauterine device, surgical sterilization) (59%), condom only (24%), and dual use (18%). Variables hypothesized to influence dual use are compared across the three groups in bivariate and multivariate analyses. Preliminary findings show dual use is significantly higher among women who are younger, report more than one sexual partner in the past year, are highly motivated to avoid HIV/STIs, and have greater control in their relationship. Additional findings and implications for policy and practice will be presented.

Learning Objectives:

• Upon its conclusion, persons attending this presentation will be able to:
• • Articulate the shortcomings of current options for simultaneous protection against pregnancy and disease.
  • Define dual method use and describe factors that contribute to women's use of dual methods.
  • Discuss the implications of findings for policy and identify further specific research questions raised by the study.

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.