Effect of Prospectively-Measured Pregnancy Intention Indicators on the Consistency of Contraceptive Use among Young Women in the U.S.

Caroline Moreau, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)
Kelli Hall, Princeton University
James Trussell, Princeton University
Jennifer S. Barber, University of Michigan

Introduction This paper explores the effect of pregnancy intentions on subsequent consistency of contraceptive use. Methods Data were drawn from a longitudinal, cohort study of 1,250 women ages 18-19 years. Women completed weekly journals assessing contraceptive use, pregnancy intentions, relationship characteristics, and reproductive outcomes. We examined 14,505 pairs of journal entries completed during the first 18 months of follow-up. Results 28% of women reported inconsistent use of contraception during the last week. Consistent use increased from 22% to 77% as pregnancy intention decreased and pregnancy avoidance increased. Compared to women who scored 0, the threshold score for an increased odds of consistent contraceptive use was 5 on the avoidance scale (OR=2.1). Women who scored below 4 on the intention scale were more likely to be consistent contraceptive users than women who scored 5 on the intention scale. Conclusion Pregnancy intentions strongly predict subsequent consistency of contraceptive use.