Citation

Edelman NL, de Visser RO, Mercer CH, McCabe L, Cassell JA. Prev. Med. 2015; 81: 345-356.

Affiliation

Division of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Mayfield House, Village Way, Falmer, East Sussex, BN1 9PH; Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, University College London, 3rd Floor, Mortimer Market Centre, London WC1E 6JB, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ypmed.2015.09.019

PMID

26441301

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Women using primary care vary in need for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) testing and contraception. Psychosocial correlates of these needs may be useful for targeting services. We undertook a systematic review to identify psychosocial correlates of STI acquisition, unplanned pregnancy (UP), abortion and risky sexual behaviours in general population samples of women of reproductive age.

METHODS: We searched bibliographic databases for probability surveys of women aged 16-44years in the European Union, USA, Canada, Australia, UK or New Zealand undertaken January 1994-January 2014.

RESULTS: Eleven papers were included. Unplanned pregnancy was associated with smoking, depression, being single and sexual debut <16 years. Abortion was associated with lack of closeness to parents, leaving home at an early age, and relationship break-up. Multiple partnerships were associated intensity of marijuana and alcohol use, and smoking. STI diagnosis was associated with relationship break-up and younger partners. Non-use of contraception was associated with smoking, obesity, relationship status, sedentary lifestyles, fatalistic pregnancy attitudes and lower alcohol use. Condom non-use was higher (at first sex)with partners5+ years older and lower (at last sex)in less stable partnerships.

CONCLUSION: Psychosocial variables, particularly relationship status and smoking, may help identify women in primary care for STI testing and contraception advice and supply.

Language: en