Age Differences in the Prevalence and Correlates of Inconsistent Contraceptive Use and Non-Use: Findings from the 2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth

Karen Pazol, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Maura K. Whiteman, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Suzanne G. Folger, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Athena P. Kourtis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Polly A. Marchbanks, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Denise J. Jamieson, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

While U.S. unintended pregnancy rates are highest among women 18-24 years, improvements in contraceptive use are needed for women of all ages. We used 2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth data to assess age-group specific prevalence and predictors of contraceptive use. Among women at risk, teens had the lowest non-use (4.6%, vs. 8.9% and 11.0-11.7% for women 20-24 and 25-44 years); women 40-44 years had the lowest inconsistent use (7.4% vs. 8.6% and 15.2-16.3% for women 35-39 and 15-34 years). Logistic regression indicated health insurance, marital status, periods of non-intercourse, childbearing intentions, perceived difficulty achieving pregnancy, and method dissatisfaction had different effects by age on inconsistent contraceptive use and non-use. Health insurance and method dissatisfaction had greater effects among younger women; childbearing intentions and perceived difficulty achieving pregnancy had greater effects among older women. Interventions to reduce unintended pregnancy should account for different influences on contraceptive use across age groups.