Publication: Access to contraceptive services among unmarried young people in the north-east of China
Issued Date
2004-09-01
Resource Type
ISSN
13625187
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-9144251786
Rights
Mahidol University
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care. Vol.9, No.3 (2004), 147-154
Suggested Citation
L. Y. Zhang, S. Jejeebhoy, I. H. Shah, L. H. Zhang, J. Hsia, W. Im-Em Access to contraceptive services among unmarried young people in the north-east of China. European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care. Vol.9, No.3 (2004), 147-154. doi:10.1080/13625180400007181 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/21562
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Thesis
Title
Access to contraceptive services among unmarried young people in the north-east of China
Author(s)
Abstract
Objective: The concerns about the potential threats of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have increased, since, in China, there is a lack of sexual education and condom use is rare. A community-based survey was conducted in September 2001 in Changchun city among 1227 unmarried young people aged 15-24 years (619 males and 608 females) to assess risky sexual practices and the obstacles to accessing appropriate contraceptive and other services. Method: The study comprised a survey employing self-administered questionnaires, as well as key informant interviews, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. This paper investigates the factors associated with young people's access to contraceptive services. Results: Results showed that 16% of young people had experienced premarital sexual intercourse and, among them, only 48.2% used contraceptive methods during the first sexual intercourse; 29.9% used a condom. Drug stores were the main source of contraceptives. Conclusions: While data are sparse, findings suggest that the hostile and judgmental attitudes of providers, as well as the lack of counseling and privacy, were the key obstacles that unmarried youth encountered in their search for contraceptive services. Findings suggest the need for a reorientation of the contraceptive services to focus on unmarried youth, and generally to make contraceptive services more accessible to young people.