Knowledge About Condoms Among Low-income Pregnant Latina Adolescents in Relation to Explicit Maternal Discussion of Contraceptives

Abstract 

Purpose

To examine pregnant adolescents’ conceptual knowledge about condom use and its relation to maternal implicit and explicit communication about contraceptives.

Methods

Forty-five pregnant Latina adolescents (aged 14 to 18 years) were interviewed regarding their knowledge about how condoms prevent pregnancy. In addition, the adolescents were videotaped having a conversation with their mothers (23 English-speaking, 22 Spanish-speaking) about dating and sexuality, which was coded for maternal explicit and implicit messages about contraception.

Results

A more detailed, accurate understanding of how condoms work, and the ability to explicitly describe that knowledge, was associated with adolescents reporting higher levels of confidence about using condoms, and increased comfort talking to partners about condoms. Mothers’ explicit mention of contraception was related to their adolescents having detailed, accurate information about condoms. Among Spanish-speaking dyads only, maternal explicit messages were associated with adolescents using more explicit terminology in describing their knowledge.

Conclusions

Study results have implications for intervention with a high-risk population of Latina mothers and adolescents. The study also highlights the importance of examining specific aspects of knowledge, namely conceptual, biological knowledge.

Keywords:  Latinas , Adolescent pregnancy , Condom knowledge , Condom self-efficacy , Mother-daughter communication