Journal Article Summary
The article investigates the relationship between gender equality at the country level and the contraceptive use among adolescents in Europe, Canada, and Israel. This topic is significant because understanding how societal factors influence young people's sexual health can help inform public health strategies aimed at promoting safer sex practices. Previous research has shown that gender equality affects contraceptive use among adults, but there has been limited exploration of this relationship among adolescents, making this study a valuable contribution to the field.
The researchers analyzed data from 33 countries that participated in the 2013-2014 Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study, focusing on 8,181 adolescents aged 14-16 who reported their contraceptive use at last intercourse. They found that higher levels of gender equality were associated with increased contraceptive use among both males and females. Specifically, for every 0.1-point increase on the Global Gender Gap Index, the likelihood of using condoms, pills, and dual methods at last intercourse increased significantly, with stronger associations observed for females compared to males.
Despite its strengths, including a large and representative sample, the study has limitations. It is cross-sectional, meaning it cannot establish causation, and relies on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias. Additionally, the study did not account for some individual factors that could influence contraceptive use, such as knowledge about contraceptive methods and communication with partners. Readers are encouraged to discuss these findings with healthcare professionals to better understand how societal factors may impact their own or their children's sexual health and contraceptive choices.
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Article Cited
- de Looze Margaretha, Madkour Aubrey S., Huijts Tim, Moreau Nathalie, Currie Candace. Country‐Level Gender Equality and Adolescents’ Contraceptive Use in Europe, Canada and Israel: Findings from 33 Countries. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2019. DOI: 10.1363/psrh.12090. PMID: 30817858. PMCID: PMC6996477.
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