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Published in:

01-07-2011

Does Distance Matter? Access to Family Planning Clinics and Adolescent Sexual Behaviors

Authors: Melina Bersamin, Michael Todd, Lillian Remer

Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal | Issue 5/2011

Abstract

The study examines the relationship between adolescent geographic access (distance, travel time, density) to Family Planning Clinics and adolescent sexual behaviors, including sexual initiation, number of partners and condom use. This cross-sectional study, conducted in 2005 in 10 California counties, utilized data from NICHD-funded study on adolescent sexual behavior (n = 921), geospatial coordinates of publicly-funded FPCs, and neighborhood characteristics. A series of regression models were used to assess the relationship between FPC distance, and density (number of FPCs within 1- and 3- mile radii of each adolescent’s home), and adolescent sexual behaviors. Significant main effects between access measures of FPC and sexual behavior did not emerge. However, among older youth a significant inverse relationship emerged between number of FPCs within a 1-mile radius and initiating sexual intercourse. While not significant at α = .10, the results also indicate a negative relationship between density of FPCs and sexual partners (b = −.22, p < .15) among older youth. Access to FPCs was not associated with condom use. Conclusions: Results suggest that increased options for family planning services may lead to less risky sexual behaviors among older youth. This finding has significant implications with regards to making family planning resources more readily available to older adolescents.

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Title: Does Distance Matter? Access to Family Planning Clinics and Adolescent Sexual Behaviors
Authors: Melina Bersamin
Michael Todd
Lillian Remer
Publication date: 01-07-2011
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal / Issue 5/2011
Print ISSN: 1092-7875
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6628
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-010-0618-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Does Distance Matter? Access to Family Planning Clinics and Adolescent Sexual Behaviors

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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