Higgins, Jenny A., Laura Gregor, Sanyukta Mathur, Neema Nakyanjo, Fred Nalugoda, and John S. Santelli
Working paper no. 2013-09
Abstract
Objectives: We used mixed methods to assess use of withdrawal (coitus interruptus) among 15-24 year-olds in a rural Ugandan setting with considerable HIV prevalence.
Methods: We measured withdrawal reporting among 1) sexually active 15-24 year-olds enrolled in a quantitative community survey (n=6722) and 2) in-depth qualitative interview participants systematically selected from the latest round of the community survey (N=60). Respondents were asked about family planning and HIV prevention practices, including a direct question about withdrawal in the in-depth interviews.
Results: Although less than 1% of quantitative survey participants spontaneously named withdrawal as their current method, 48% of qualitative interview respondents reported recent or lifetime use of withdrawal. Withdrawal was often used as an alternative to condoms, when condoms were not available, and/or as a “placeholder” method before obtaining injectable contraception. A few respondents described using withdrawal to reduce HIV risk.