The influence of individual and mothers' attitudes towards sex and birth control on the contraceptive behavior of adolescents

The major purpose of this research study was to examine the influence of mothers' attitudes towards sex and birth control on their daughters' contraceptive behavior, and also, to explore the influence of the young womens' own attitudes towards sex and birth control on their contraceptive behavior. The six hypotheses tested were as follows: (la) Young women who perceive their mothers to be accepting of sexual activity are more likely to use contraceptives; (lb) Young women whose mothers have verbally communicated to them an acceptance of sexual activity are more likely to use contraceptives; (1c) Young women whose mothers have verbally communicated to them an approval of birth control are more likely to use contraceptives; (2a) Young women who view sexual activity as acceptable are more likely to use contraceptives; (2b) Young women who generally approve of contraceptives are more likely to use them; and (2c) Young women who acknowledge their sexual activity as planned are more likely to use contraceptives. Young women, aged 12-19, who were currently pregnant and receiving services from four social service agencies were surveyed in this study. Approximately 100 questionnaires were distributed between August, 1980, and January, 1981; however, only 22 completed questionnaires were returned. Data was analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov non-parametric test of association, with the level of significance set at .05. separate test was conducted for each of the six hypotheses. Due to the small sample size, it was not possible to control for the influence of the five factors which were identified as possible intervening variables. None of the hypotheses were supported. It was not possible to test Hypothesis 2b because none of the respondents indicated that they disapproved of contraceptives. Although the hypotheses were not statistically supported, there was a trend toward substantiating the influence of a mother's communication about sexual activity and birth control on her daughter's contraceptive usage. The findings did indicate that the sample possessed a high level of reproductive knowledge, a moderate level of contraceptive knowledge, knew where to obtain contraceptives, and did not object to their usage on religious grounds. These findings suggested that other factors influenced the decision of these young women not to contracept. The study concluded that mothers play an influential role in their daughters' decisions regarding contraception. It was suggested that social service programs need to place more emphasis on educating parents to encourage their children to assume responsibility for their sexual activity by using contraceptives.