This paper draws on findings from an analysis of interviews with young people aged 14-18 years, to explore the peer influences in young people's informal social networks which can affect their access to sexual health services. The research focuses on the social meanings of a C-Card condom distribution scheme in North East England. Such schemes are…

Grounded theory principles were systematically employed to reveal key differences in pregnancy risk and underlying disparities in contraceptive use in (a) never-pregnant (b) pregnant-terminated and (c) pregnant-continued teenagers. Analysis of 69 semistructured interviews revealed a bicausal model of pregnancy protection that accounted for…

Examined motivations for condom use by adolescent males (n=1,880). About one-third reported using condoms consistently. Found greater consistency of condom use related to perceived costs benefits concerning pregnancy prevention, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, partner expectations, embarrassment, and reduction of pleasure. (Author/ABL)

The findings of the study suggest that the distribution of contraceptives on the campus will not produce widespread loss of virginity and promiscuity, and it will not cause a breakdown in the moral structure. The challenge is to create a distribution system which will decrease the presently inefficient contraceptive practices. (Author)

To determine what factors contribute to possible pregnancy and birth control usage among a sample of college women, a survey questionnaire was distributed to students who requested pregnancy tests at a university health center. Answers from 140 respondents are reported and analyzed and their implications are discussed. (JL)

Tests the utility of two models for explaining contraceptive use by sexually active women (N=391). Significant relationships were found between use and permissive premarital standards and standard-behavior consistency. Neither model is particularly applicable to the contraceptive reports of sexually active males (N=354). (Author)

Adolescent coital activity and the attendant risk of pregnancy is a problem with far-reaching implications. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of family variables on adolescent sexual behavior and contraceptive practices. More specifically, the research question was: Could a set of parent-adolescent interpersonal variables be…

A survey among college women at one large school indicates the need for more adequate sex education prior to college entrance. College physicians should not make moral judgments but should be ready to counsel students toward a more mature attitude about sexuality. (Author/CG)

Identified variables related to contraception that could be addressed during contraceptive counseling and to aid persons in deciding the most effective contraceptive method within context of an intimate relationship. Used questionnaire responses from 350 college students. Results indicated both general self-esteem and sexual self-esteem were…

The influence of media awareness on family planning adoption is examined according to 3 models: selective perception, reinforcement, and cognitive dissonance. (Author/JC)

If factual information is given, if the method is easily accessible and acceptable, and if they have come to terms with their own sexuality, most young women will accept the responsibility of preventing an unwanted pregancy. (JD)

Presents a test of the Fishbein model of behavior prediction applied to predict the pregnancy risk-taking behavior of adolescent females (N=244). Analyses of data showed that the Fishbein model of attitude-behavior consistency seems to be applicable to the fertility-related behavior of adolescent females. (LLL)

Analysis indicates qualities of the interpersonal relationship of the adolescent dyad are consistently associated with exposure to pregnancy risk. Certain qualities have a counterbalancing influence on pregnancy risk in that they are positively related to the frequency of sexual intercourse while being positively related to regularity of effective…

This paper is a progress report on a large-scale five-year longitudinal predictive study of contraceptive success and failure, begun in November, 1973. Subjects were a randomly selected goup of 646 patients at a Planned Parenthood Clinic. An interview and several brief questionnaires were administered to each subject. A sub-group was selected…

Effective birth control is needed to combat adolescent pregnancy which is a major health and social problem, the adverse consequences of which have been well-documented along a variety of dimensions. A significant obstacle to the provision of birth control services to teenagers is the belief that such services will encourage adolescent coital…