Predictors of contraception use among women who have experienced non-voluntary intercourse

Abstract

Background: Sexual violence against women is a significant public health problem that impacts reproductive health. In 2015, approximately 1 in 5 women were victims of completed or attempted rape. The extent to which women’s contraceptive use is affected by experiences of non-voluntary intercourse remains understudied. This study aims to examine the relationship between women’s current contraception use and ever being forced by a man to have vaginal sex. Methods: Data from female respondents of the 2015-2017 National Survey for Family Growth (NSFG; N=5,554) were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to examine current contraception use among women that reported ever experiencing forced intercourse with a man. Analyses were conducted using SAS 9.4. Results: Overall 15.5% (n=763) of women reported lifetime forced vaginal intercourse with a man. Adjusting for age, race, and current health insurance, the odds of current use of barrier methods (OR=1.72, 95% CI = 1.04- 2.82) were higher among women who experienced non-voluntary intercourse when compared to women who did not. The use of hormonal (OR=0.94, 95% CI =0.59-1.49) and long-acting reversible contraceptives (OR=1.02, 95% CI =0.65-1.62) were not statistically significant among women who reported non-voluntary intercourse. Conclusion: Forced vaginal intercourse was associated with the current use of male-controlled contraception methods. Ensuring women’s reproductive autonomy requires addressing the power and control survivors of non- voluntary intercourse may feel that they lack. The reproductive health needs of women who experience sexual violence are unique and require further exploration into the patterns of contraception use.