4068.0: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - 9:15 AM

Abstract #14099

Psychological determinants of disadoption of traditional contraceptive methods

Christine G. Unson, PhD, Center on Aging, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06303-6147, (860) 679-2239, delapaz@nso1.uchc.edu

HYPOTHESES: The process of disadoption was investigated using in part, the Theory of Action Identification (Vallacher & Wegner, 1985). Disadopters of traditional methods (rhythm and variants, withdrawal, breastfeeding) will differ in knowledge, consistency between the attitudes toward family planning and rhythm method, and range of acceptable contraceptive choices. METHOD: A three-wave 10-month evaluation survey of a communication campaign on family planning (Philippines, 1993) was analyzed using One-way Anova. Attitudinal scales (5 items each, personal benefits and attributes of rhythm) were created via factor analysis. The measure of attitudinal consistency was the absolute difference between the attitudinal measures of family planning and rhythm method. RESULTS: 1,148 completed the survey; 64% were women; average age was 31.9. At survey’s end, 42% used traditional methods, 33% modern methods, and 25% no method. Of all respondents, 21.4% had used a traditional method throughout the survey (long-term users); 22.8% were no longer using a traditional method in either the second or third waves (disadopters). Of traditional method disadopters, 58% became non-users and the remainder switched to non-traditional methods. Compared to long-term users, disadopters recalled significantly fewer ways to use rhythm effectively, had less attitude consistency due to dissatisfaction with rhythm method, and a wider range of contraceptive choices than long-term users. CONCLUSIONS: Communication campaigns targeting long-term traditional method users should aim at improving user satisfaction and enhancing knowledge on effective use. Information on alternative methods should be disseminated to discourage disadopting family planning practice.

Data courtesy of the Center for Communication Programs, Johns Hopkins University.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant will learn issue to consider in designing a communication campaign on family planning

Keywords: Family Planning, Adherence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA