The effects of frequency of intercourse on perceptions of two of the most widely used contraceptive methods, the pill and condom, were assessed in 128 female college students currently involved in a sexual relationship. Intercourse frequency was found to be strongly associated with knowledge of both methods. People experiencing more frequent sexual intercourse were more favourably disposed towards the pill and less towards the condom than people experiencing intercourse less frequently. Implications of these results are discussed.
PIP: The effects of frequency of intercourse on perceptions of 2 of the most widely used contraceptive methods, the pill and condom, were assessed in 128 female US college students currently involved in a sexual relationship. Each answered a questionnaire to provide data on age, sex, race, income, religion, education, education, origin, medical conditions, and the average number of times per month that she engaged in sexual intercourse with the current partner and their use of contraception. Subjects rated their views on types of birth control on a 9 point scale. Intercourse frequency was found to be strongly associated with knowledge of both the pill and condom. People experiencing more frequent sexual intercourse were more favorably disposed towards the pill and less towards the condom than people experiencing intercourse less frequently. One view of these results stems from the belief that contraception is a necessary evil and the pill is the closest to a 'natural' sex act. The other view could be that contraception is good but the pill has the most positive features. A crucial factor in these perceptions may be knowledge of the current spread of AIDS. The preventive qualities of condoms against AIDS may override concerns about the pills favorable aspects and lead to an overall preference of condoms in the future.