Testing a model of contraception use behavior among sexually active female adolescents in Taiwan

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to test a model of contraception use among sexually active Taiwanese female adolescents, using structural equation modeling. Anonymous questionnaires were distributed to 404 female adolescents who had had sexual intercourse in the previous 3 months. A model was produced in which past contraception use, self-efficacy for contraception use, and decisional balance for using contraception had significant direct effects on current contraception use. Social influences had not only significant direct effects on self-efficacy and on decisional balance, but also a significant indirect effect on current contraception use. These findings provide a reference for the development of contraceptive intervention programs for sexually active female adolescents in Taiwan.