Research Report: High and low contraceptive use amongst young male offenders

SUMMARY

The researchers wanted to understand more about the use of contraceptives among young offenders, given the high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) within that group. They aimed to compare attitudes with risk-taking, masculinity and sex among young men who often used contraceptives with those who rarely did.

High and low contraceptive use amongst young male offenders: a qualitative interview study saw researchers survey 67 16- to 21-year-old inmates of a Scottish young offenders institution (YOI), achieving 66 responses. The questionnaire collected demographic data, experience of and attitudes towards sex education, contraception, pregnancy and STIs. Twenty of the young men reported using contraception every time or most times they had sex, 10 reported using contraception about half the time and 30 rarely or never. Seven said they did not know, or did not answer the question.