Factors influencing the acceptability of coitus interruptus among Latina teens and young adults.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with the acceptability of coitus interruptus, or withdrawal, as a contraceptive method among a cohort of Latinas.

METHOD: We conducted face-to-face interviews with a cohort of young, urban Latinas in Chicago to assess factors associated with willingness to use withdrawal.

FINDINGS: Two hundred seventy-three sexually experienced women aged 13-25 years were included in the analysis. Respondents were predominately Mexican American (83.9%) and born in the United States (69.2%) or Mexico (27.1%). One hundred sixty-two women expressed willingness to use withdrawal. In a multivariable analysis, factors associated with willingness to use withdrawal included belief in its efficacy, having communicated with one's partner about waiting to have sex, and lack of knowledge of oral contraceptives.

CONCLUSION

Beliefs, knowledge, partner variables and contraceptive attitudes were important factors related to the acceptability of withdrawal among a cohort of Latinas.