The relationship between barriers to birth control use and actual birth control use among Mexican-American adolescents

This study examined the relationship between barriers to using birth control and actual use of birth control among a national sample of Mexican-American adolescents. Participants were either over age 15 or sexually active (regardless of age). They responded to survey items on birth control use. Chi-square analysis and t tests were used to investigate whether barriers to using birth control were related to actual use during first intercourse and most recent sexual intercourse. It was found that nonusers had significantly higher barrier scores compared with users of birth control. The results indicate that attitudes toward birth control are associated with actual birth control use among Mexican-American adolescents. Additionally, males and females may have distinct barriers to using birth control. It was concluded that a better understanding of the sexual attitudes and beliefs associated with birth control is needed in order to improve programs seeking to increase the use of birth control among this rapidly expanding, high-risk population.