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Connecticut Value:
Percentage of sexually active high school students who reported not using both: a condom during last sexual intercourse; and either birth control pills, an intrauterine device or implant, or a shot, patch or birth control ring before last sexual intercourse
Appears In:
Percentage of sexually active high school students who reported not using both: a condom during last sexual intercourse; and either birth control pills, an intrauterine device or implant, or a shot, patch or birth control ring before last sexual intercourse
US Value: 89.8%
Top State(s): Florida: 77.3%
Bottom State(s): New Jersey: 96.7%
Definition: Percentage of sexually active high school students who reported not using both: a condom during last sexual intercourse; and either birth control pills, an intrauterine device or implant, or a shot, patch or birth control ring before last sexual intercourse
Data Source and Years(s): CDC, Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, 2021
Suggested Citation: America's Health Rankings analysis of CDC, Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2024.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the ideal contraceptive practice for sexually active adolescents is dual contraceptive use — both a condom to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and a method more effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies. ACOG recommends long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods such as intrauterine devices and hormonal implants, which have higher rates of efficacy and continued use compared with short-acting options. Condoms are not ideal as a sole contraceptive due to their high typical-use failure rate compared with other contraceptives such as LARCs and hormonal methods.
Based on data from a survey of sexually active high school students, dual contraceptive use is higher among:
Studies show that adolescents are more likely to access contraceptive services via pharmacies or general health services than youth-centered programs. Effective strategies should therefore focus on equipping these existing venues to better respond to the contraceptive needs of adolescents. Some areas to focus on include:
County Health Rankings & Roadmaps lists several proven approaches for improving condom use and reducing risky sexual behavior, including condom availability programs and behavioral interventions to prevent HIV and other STIs.
The Guttmacher Institute maintains a comprehensive dashboard on federal and state policies regarding contraception use in youth and related topics.
Healthy People 2030 has multiple objectives related to youth contraceptive use, including:
“ACOG Committee Opinion No. 710: Counseling Adolescents About Contraception.” 2017. Obstetrics & Gynecology 130 (2): e74–80. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000002234.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023. “Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2011-2021.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of Adolescent and School Health. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/pdf/YRBS_Data-Summary-Trends_Report2023_508.pdf.
Chandra-Mouli, Venkatraman, and Elsie Akwara. 2020. “Improving Access to and Use of Contraception by Adolescents: What Progress Has Been Made, What Lessons Have Been Learnt, and What Are the Implications for Action?” Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Modern Methods of Contraception, 66 (July): 107–18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2020.04.003.
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