Contraception and STD protection among urban Norwegians

This paper analyses the use of contraception and protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in an urban Norwegian population. In 1997, a random sample of 5000 persons (18-49 years), drawn from the population register in Oslo, participated in a sexual behaviour survey. Data collection was carried out by means of postal questionnaires. Thirty-seven per cent of respondents reported not using any contraception, 18% used condoms for contraception, 28% used oral contraception (OC) and 19% an intrauterine device (IUD) at most recent intercourse. The use of contraception decreased by a factor of 0.95 for every year increase in age, and also increased with level of education. Twelve per cent reported using some form of STD protection. Older age, being in love with the partner, and having sex in a committed relationship were associated with low use of STD protection. Higher education, having had a same-sex partner, having penetrative sex, longer time since last intercourse, and strong 'love-monogamous' attitudes towards sexuality were associated with the higher use of STD protection.