Recent trends in contraceptive use among Korean adolescents: Results from a nationwide survey from year 2013 to 2015

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study was aimed to evaluate the recent trends in contraceptive use among Korean adolescents.MethodsData reviewed were from the 2013–2015 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, which is a stratified, multistage-sampling designed online-based research project performed annually by the Korean government to ensure a nationally representative sample of Korean adolescence. Eight questions related to the topic of contraception were reviewed for the outcome variables.ResultsA total of 212,538 adolescents attending middle school and high school participated in the survey, and 8,755 students among them who were sexually active were included in the study. The percentage of contraceptive use showed a steady increase from 39% in 2013 to 48.7% in 2015; however, the proportion of adolescents who have never used any kind of contraception still remains high. Highly effective methods such as oral contraceptives and intrauterine devices were used by only 10% to 15% of sexually active adolescents.ConclusionThe present study demonstrates the status of contraceptive use among Korean adolescents. Our data have the potential to help healthcare providers to formulate policies and develop interventions for encouraging effective contraceptive use among sexually active Korean adolescents.

Sexual health knowledge and needs among young adults with congenital heart disease

“…According to a recent study conducted in Korea, the total percentage of adolescents who were found to be sexually active ranged from 5.0% to 5.3% [ 15 ]. The study also noted that the mean age for Koreans’ first sexual experience was between the ages of 12.8 and 13.2, which remained constant over the three-year period of the study.…”

“…The study also noted that the mean age for Koreans’ first sexual experience was between the ages of 12.8 and 13.2, which remained constant over the three-year period of the study. Lastly, among sexually active Korean female participants, 0.2% were reported to have experienced pregnancy, most of whom (66.1% to 73.6%) had undergone an induced abortion [ 15 ]. Hence, sexual health education is very important in helping to raise the age at which sexual behavior begins.…”

“…If adolescents start engaging in sex without knowing appropriate contraceptive methods, unprotected sexual activity could lead to unwanted teenage pregnancies, which are associated with higher maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality cases, an increased likelihood of unsafe abortions, and poorer lifelong health and fertility outcomes. In addition, becoming pregnant while still an adolescent may affect one’s social and educational life due to social pressures that can be imposed on such adolescents and because they may be viewed as bad influences on other adolescents in their community [ 15 ].…”

“…As the average age of individuals at the time of their first sexual activity in this study was reported to be as early as 12 years, sexual health education should be provided earlier than the age of 12. The contents of an educational program should be appropriate for each age group, since knowledge, comprehension, and attitudes towards sexual activity may vary with different ages [15]. Considering the high incorrect response rate for contraception methods in this PLOS ONE study, it is especially important to start sexual health education (including education concerning birth control methods suitable for one's illness) before adolescence, when sexual initiation tends to occur.…”

Perceptions and Knowledge of Women Regarding Contraception and Current Trends in Contraceptive Use in Korea

“…A web-based study with Korean adolescents reported that 43.5%–53.3% of participants claimed they had never used contraception, although this rate is decreasing. 8 Trends in the use of contraceptives have revealed that condoms and the withdrawal method are the most frequently used methods in Korea, 8 9 and the proportion of participants using combined oral contraceptives (COCs) is lower (less than 3%) than that in other countries, such as the United Kingdom (21.6%), Canada (16.3%), and the United States (13.4%). 9 10 …”