SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASES, HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS, AND PREGNANCY PREVENTION - COMBINED CONTRACEPTIVE PRACTICES AMONG URBAN AFRICAN-AMERICAN EARLY ADOLESCENTS

Objectives: To evaluate the success of efforts to educate youth not on ly to use prescription contraceptives to avoid pregnancy, but also to use condoms to avoid sexually transmitted diseases, including infectio n with the human immunodeficiency virus. Methods: Longitudinal study o f 383 African-American youth aged 9 to 15 years enrolled in a randomiz ed, controlled trial of an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) r isk reduction intervention. Data about contraceptive practices were ob tained at baseline and 6, 12, and 18 months later using a culturally a nd developmentally appropriate risk assessment tool administered with ''talking'' computers (Macintosh Apple Computer Inc, Cupertino, Calif) . Results: Approximately three fourths of sexually active youth used s ome form of contraception in each 6-month round, with almost half of t he youth using combinations of contraceptives. Among all youth at base line and among control youth throughout the study, more than half used condoms and more than two thirds who used oral contraceptives also us ed condoms. Receipt of an AIDS education intervention was associated w ith use of more effective contraceptive practices (eg, condoms and ano ther prescription or nonprescription method of birth control). After r eceiving the intervention, more than 80% of the youth who used oral co ntraceptives also used condoms. Contraceptive practices showed conside rable stability. Knowledge about AIDS was positively associated. with use of more effective contraceptive methods. Conclusions: Many youth a re using condoms and prescription birth control simultaneously, and th ese use rates can be increased through AIDS education interventions.