Precautionary tales: Condom and contraceptive use among young Australian apprentices

Abstract

Condom and contraceptive use at first intercourse have become important reference points in monitoring the sexual health of young people. This study describes the precautionary practices of a national stratified cluster sample of 3133 Australian hairdressing, automotive, and commercial cookery apprentices aged 15 to 24 years. Approximately 77% of the apprentices reported using a condom, the oral contraceptive, spermicide, IUD, or a diaphragm at first intercourse. Of these, 91.7% used a condom either alone or in combination with another method. Among female apprentices, younger age at the time of the survey, year 10 or more schooling, being older at first intercourse, being the same age or older than their partner, and planning first intercourse were associated with increased condom use. First intercourse with a regular partner and planning first intercourse were associated with greater likelihood contraceptive use. Male apprentices were more likely to use condoms, and to use contraception generally, if they were younger at the time of the survey, older at first intercourse, and were involved in planning their first occasion of intercourse. No significant differences were found in rates of precautionary use between the sexes. Rates of condom and contraceptive use at first intercourse in this Australian sample were comparable to those of other developed countries. However, there is still a worrying degree of non-use, especially among those who engage in intercourse early in their teenage years, who are forced or coerced into sex, or do not plan their first occasion of intercourse.

‘Proper sex without annoying things’: Anti-condom discourse and the ‘nature’ of (hetero)sex

“…However, the research literature on condom use demonstrates that condoms are often not routinely or consistently used in sexual encounters (e.g. Abel and Brunton, 2005; Adolescent Health Research Group, 2003; de Visser and Smith, 2001; Fisher and Boroditsky, 2000; Grimley and Lee, 1997; Grunseit, 2004; Measor, 2006; Santelli et al., 1997; Tavory and Swidler, 2009; Wellings et al., 2001), even when there is a common understanding of the importance of condom use for sexual health (Mantell et al., 2011; Mashinini and Pelton Cooper, 2012; Williamson et al., 2009), and/or an intention or desire to use them (Gavey and McPhillips, 1999; Gavey et al., 2001). The persistence and even increase in STI incidence is an outcome of inconsistent use.…”

Ambivalence in Adolescents' Decisions about Having Their First Sexual Intercourse

“…Earlier studies found a lower probability of contraception if adolescents were younger at first intercourse and forced or coerced into sex (Grunseit, 2004). Higher socioeconomic status has been shown to be associated with more contraceptive use (e.g., Hogan, Sun, & Cornwell, 2000), probably because students from higher school tracks, with higher educational attainment and from families with better parental education, may have more knowledge about sexual risk factors and better access to contraceptives.…”

‘They think it's all up to the girls’: gender, risk and responsibility for contraception

“…Additionally, they describe condom use becoming 'normalised', with an expectation that condoms would be used in early stages of relationships or in casual sex. Grunseit (2004) found that contraceptive use was associated with sex with a regular partner or where sex was planned. Perhaps this more recent work is an indication that attitudes to condom use are changing, particularly as far as their implications for female reputations, and planning to have sex, are concerned.…”