Patterns of Contraceptive Consistency among Young Adult Women in Southeastern Michigan: Longitudinal Findings Based on Journal Data.
We aimed to determine patterns of contraceptive consistency among heterosexually active, young adult women who do not desire pregnancy, and to identify factors associated with these patterns.



We analyzed longitudinal data from a population-based study of young adult women aged 18 and 19 who were representative of a single county in southeastern Michigan. Using multinomial logistic regression, we identified associations between contraceptive consistency (dependent outcome) and sociodemographic characteristics and personal factors.



We categorized women into three patterns of contraceptive consistency: 1) always consistent (40%; reference group), 2) sometimes consistent (49%), 3) never consistent (11%). Not being employed was associated with increased odds of being sometimes consistent (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.2) and never consistent (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.4). Those who reported a grade point average of 3.0 or less were more likely to be never consistent (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2-5.3). Women in a serious relationship had a two times greater odds of being sometimes consistent. Among always consistent users, the oral contraceptive pill was most often used (55%); only 4% used the intrauterine device or implant. Sometimes consistent and never consistent users most frequently relied on condoms (35%) and withdrawal (68%), respectively.



This analysis of longitudinal data revealed that the majority of young adult women inconsistently used short-acting or coital-specific methods; few used the most effective, long-acting methods. Interventions to improve contraceptive consistency among young adult women should include periodic assessments of personal factors (i.e., work, school, relationships) and promotion of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods when appropriate.
Department of Family Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Electronic address: justinep@med.umich.edu.
Justine P
JP
Wu
Department of Systems, Population and Leadership, School of Nursing, Population Studies Center, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Yasamin
Y
Kusunoki
Department of Sociology and Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Elizabeth J
EJ
Ela
Department of Sociology; Population Studies Center, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Jennifer S
JS
Barber
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D002755:Choice Behavior; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods*; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008824:Michigan; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011247:Pregnancy; D055815:Young Adult
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female