Prevalence and predictors of dual method contraception use among college women

Dual method contraception use (using one form of contraceptive intended to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections [STIs] and another intended to prevent pregnancy) may be the most effective way to prevent both STIs and unintended pregnancy. No prior studies have taken an event-level (diary) approach to examining predictors of dual method use. We examined the prevalence of and predictors of dual method contraception use among first-year college women. Monthly data collection over one year resulted in 1843 most-recent sexual intercourse events from 296 women (M_age=18, 71% White). Women reported on their use of condoms and other reliable contraceptive methods (hormonal contraception and IUDs) during these events. Women reported use of reliable non-condom contraceptive methods in 53% of events and use of condoms in 64% of events. Of events involving alternative contraceptive use (N=977), condoms were used in 53% (28% of all events). A multi-level model showed that use of condoms in addition to other methods was more common in casual sex events involving friends (Β=1.55, p<.01) and for women who were more religious (Β=.84, p<.05), who smoked pot (Β=.16, p<.05), and who had a previous STI diagnosis (Β=2.59, p<.01). Dual use was less common for women with more previous sexual partners (Β=-.37, p<.01) and those high in impulsivity (Β=-.94, p<.05). A variety of factors relate to the use of condoms to supplement hormonal contraception, which occurs in only a quarter of events reported by college women. Understanding characteristics predicting dual method use may help in intervention design.