Contraceptive use by Maori youth in New Zealand: associated risk and protective factors.
OBJECTIVE
To identify risk and protective factors associated with consistent contraception use by sexually active Maori youth.


METHODS
Secondary analysis was undertaken utilising Youth2000, an anonymous nationally representative secondary school health and wellbeing survey, undertaken in 2001. We describe the self-reported sexual health and contraceptive use behaviours of Maori students. A multiple logistic regression model was utilised to identify risk and protective factors associated with consistent contraception use by sexually active Maori students.


RESULTS
Half of the Maori students have had sexual intercourse (54% males; 48% females) and a third are currently sexually active (33% males; 34% females). Most Maori youth who have ever had sex use condoms for contraception (82%) and most sexually active Maori youth reported consistent use of contraception (71% males; 70% females). Maori youth who use contraception consistently are more likely to report getting enough time with a parent (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.05-2.14; p=0.03) and less likely to report weekly marijuana use (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.37-0.76; p=0.0006).


CONCLUSIONS
Consistent use of condoms is a common self-reported contraceptive practice by many young Maori. However this behaviour is not universal, and in view of the significant sexual and reproductive health disparities that exist for Maori youth, sexual and reproductive health programs should examine a broader strategy of promoting protective factors such as strengthening youth-parent relationships and reducing risk factors, such as minimising substance misuse. Together with existing efforts in education, whanau (family), and community based programs, these strategies may support healthier sexual health outcomes for Maori youth.
Clark
Terryann
T
School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA. clar0574@umn.edu
Robinson
Elizabeth
E
Crengle
Sue
S
Watson
Peter
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D017677:Age Distribution; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D044363:Contraception, Postcoital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012252:Natural Family Planning Methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D017258:Medroxyprogesterone Acetate