Longitudinal Patterns of Consistent Contraceptive Use: Preliminary Findings from the Continuity and Change in Contraceptive Use Study

Rachel K. Jones, Guttmacher Institute
Laura Lindberg, Guttmacher Institute
Jennifer J. Frost, Guttmacher Institute
Athena A. Tapales, Independent Consultant

This analysis examines factors associated with consistent contraceptive use over a 12-month time period. Data come from the 1,149 women aged 18-39 who participated in the first three waves (2012 and 2013) of the Continuity and Change in Contraceptive Use study. Preliminary analyses are restricted to bivariate associations and reveal several (expected) characteristics to be associated with inconsistent use, including: being Black, increased exposure to disruptive life events, reduced motivation to avoid pregnancy, partner desire to have children and strong pronatalist attitudes. Subsequent analyses will rely on multivariate techniques to further explore these associations. An important secondary finding is that contraceptive use is itself is more dynamic than most measures assume; for example, one-third of women in our study reported using more than one contraceptive method in the last 30 days. This latter finding has broader methodological implications.