"My religion picked my birth control": the influence of religion on contraceptive use.
This research investigates the influence of religious preference and practice on the use of contraception. Much of earlier research examines the level of religiosity on sexual activity. This research extends this reasoning by suggesting that peer group effects create a willingness to mask the level of sexuality through the use of contraception. While it is understood that certain religions, that is, Catholicism does not condone the use of contraceptives, this research finds that Catholics are more likely to use certain methods of contraception than other religious groups. With data on contraceptive use from the Center for Disease Control's Family Growth Survey, a likelihood probability model is employed to investigate the impact religious affiliation on contraception use. Findings suggest a preference for methods that ensure non-pregnancy while preventing feelings of shame and condemnation in their religious communities.
Department of Economics, Finance, and General Business, Jackson State University, P.O. Box 24422, Jackson, MS, 39225, USA, nicholas.hill@jsums.edu.
Nicholas J
NJ
Hill
Mxolisi
M
Siwatu
Alexander K
AK
Robinson
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002410:Catholicism; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003267:Contraception / Q000523:psychology*; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D010379:Peer Group; D011247:Pregnancy; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012067:Religion; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult