Reliability of self‐reported contraceptive use and sexual behaviors among adolescent girls

This study examines two issues relevant to adolescents’ self‐reported sexual and contraceptive use behaviors: reliability of partner‐referent reports versus 3‐ and 6‐month reports, and test‐retest reliability of reports completed over a 2‐week period. Data are from 196 13‐ to 18‐year‐old girls recruited into this study while they sought reproductive care from health clinics in a metropolitan area. All participants reported having had sexual intercourse during the past 6 months. Twice over a 2‐week interval, participants completed the same paper‐and‐pencil surveys. The survey presented questions about sexual behavior and contraceptive use using 3 sequential frames of reference: within the past 6 months, within the past 3 months, and by specific sexual partners in the past 6 months. Findings demonstrate that adolescent girls can reliably report sexual behavior and contraceptive use over a 6‐month interval. Study findings have implications for future research utilizing adolescents’ self‐reported sexual and contraceptive use behaviors.