Does Education Leads to Contraceptive Use? A Study of Sexually Experienced Unmarried Men in India

Abstract

The consequences of pre-marital sex have been the subject of common concern for the public health professionals and policy makers. In India, despite strict societal sanctions, the prevalence of pre-marital sex has been repeatedly documented across literatures. It is believed that existing education system could afford the responsibility to develop protective sexual behavior among unmarried youths. Using National Family Health Survey (2005-06) data, this study examines the effect of education on contraceptive and condom use among sexually experienced unmarried men. Results indicate that education has a positive effect on contraceptive as well as condom use. However the interaction effect of education and awareness on contraceptive and condom use provides the key explanations for safe sexual practices. The findings could help policy makers to focus on both education and awareness which might lead to improvement in safe sexual practices in India where introducing sex education is still a controversial issue.

Keywords: Education, awareness, unmarried men, contraceptive and condom use, India