ABSTRACT Different gender beliefs toward contraception may affect contraceptive use among teenagers
and need to be explored for the development of sexuality education and services aimed at this age
group. A cross-sectional national survey was conducted. A random sample of 1,405 sexually active
teenagers, 1,181 girls, and 224 boys was studied. One quarter of the girls and one fifth of the boys had
often/always used unsafe methods (withdrawal and natural methods), and about one third of the teenagers
used contraceptive methods sporadically or not at all. Generally, teenage girls had more positive
beliefs toward use of contraceptives, more positive friends, and more supportive parents regarding
contraception than boys. Both genders were more likely to use contraceptives if they recognized the
seriousness of pregnancy and easiness of making contraceptive plans. Additionally, teenage girls were
more likely to use contraceptives if they were older at the time of sexual debut, were in a steady sexual
relationship, considered contraceptive services good, believed in not taking chances, and their parents
knew about their contraceptive use. Preventive strategies must primarily target those teenagers who
start sexual debut early, are not in a steady relationship, and are not receiving parental support.