Teenage women's use of contraceptives in two populations.

BACKGROUND Adolescent patterns of contraceptive use might be different in various populations and might have changed in the last 30 years. More appropriate use of contraception could prevent unplanned pregnancy. METHODS We interviewed 378 women in rural East Tennessee and 396 women in suburban-urban Baltimore, all of whom were aged 18 to 50 years, in a convenience sampling about their memories of sexual experiences and early contraceptive use. RESULTS First sexual experiences began at a younger age in women from Tennessee than in women from Baltimore. Sexual experiences occurred at an earlier age during the last 15 years in Baltimore women. Contraceptive use at first sexual experience has approximately doubled in both locations, from 7% to 15% in Tennessee and from 42% to 75% in Baltimore during the last 15 years. The primary reason in Baltimore is increased use of condoms. Condom use in Tennessee is very low. CONCLUSIONS These two populations are using contraception and condoms differently. Although the two populations are diverse, it could help physicians to learn about the particular contraceptive practices of their patient population to help their patients more appropriately with their contraceptive needs.