Predictors of dual method use for pregnancy and HIV prevention among adolescent South African women

IntroductionDual contraceptive method use is advocated for adolescent women to prevent pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.MethodsWe examined data from a nationally representative sample of South African women aged 15–24 years to establish factors associated with dual method use.ResultsOnly 7% of current contraceptive users reported using dual methods, although this percentage increased to 28.1% when women reporting hormonal contraception and condom use at last sex were included. In multivariate analyses, having talked about condoms with a partner was most strongly associated with dual method use (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 12.3; 95% confidence interval (CI), 6.1–25.1) and suggests that communication skills might be the most effective way of increasing dual method use. Difficulty in accessing condoms was associated with lower odds of dual method use (AOR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.2–1.0).ConclusionWe conclude with recommendations to increase male involvement and encourage communication between partners for the integration of HIV prevention and other reproductive health care services.