Korean J Fam Pract.  2024 Mar;14(1):28-39. 10.21215/kjfp.2024.14.1.28.

Social and Behavioral Factors Related to Contraception in Korean Adolescents with Sexual Experience: Based on the 2018 and 2021 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey

• Park S
• Song HJ
• Han J
• Seo YG
• Noh HM
• Park KH
• An HJ
• Paek YJ

• KMID: 2554230
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21215/kjfp.2024.14.1.28

Abstract

Background
Adolescent unintended pregnancies can have detrimental effects on maternal and fetal health, impacting the social lives of young parents. Globally, there is an emphasis on preventing unintended pregnancies in adolescents through comprehensive contraceptive education. This study examined contraception practices and determinants among sexually active Korean adolescents.
Methods
This study analyzed raw data from the 2018 and 2021 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. The cohort consisted of 6,042 adolescents who reported sexual experience, categorized into those always practicing contraception and those not. We scrutinized factors related to sexual behavior, such as contraception and sex education, as well as other social and behavioral factors.
Results
Among sexually active adolescents, 47.9% of males and 48.1% of females consistently used contraception. The most prevalent contraceptive method was condoms (male 58.1%; female 59.6%). However, a significant portion of adolescents were not using contraception (male 29.4%; female 21.7%). Females who did not consistently use contraception exhibited higher pregnancy rates (2.4% vs. 11.3%). Consistent contraceptive users tended to live with their families and reported less sexual experience after drinking alcohol. Despite a decline in sexual education in schools from 2018 to 2021, the proportion of adolescents consistently using contraception increased.
Conclusion
To prevent unintended pregnancies among sexually active adolescents, consistent use of appropriate contraceptive methods is crucial. Comprehensive education on contraception should be extended beyond schools to include homes and primary healthcare settings. Policymakers and healthcare providers should consider these consequences when devising strategies to reduce unintended pregnancies among adolescents.

Keyword

Adolescent; Pregnancy; Contraception; Sexual Behavior; Sex Education