Objectives: Promoting contraceptive use among the poor has been an important component of public health programs in order to reduce unwanted and teen pregnancy, as well as, to reduce infant mortality and morbidity. This study attempts to identify barriers to contraceptive use among low income women. Study population and methods: A multi-nomial logistic regression model was used to study the association between contraceptive use and a number of social and behavioral factors, including socioeconomic status, medical and social services utilization, and substance use behavior among of 5,735 low income women enrolled in the Baltimore City Healthy Start program. Additionally, 50 in-depth interviews among women from the Healthy Start target and project areas were analyzed to understand the effect of social and behavioral factors on contraceptive behavior. Results: Among women who did not want to get pregnant, 34% were not using any modern contraception. Among the possible barriers, price, knowledge, and attitude of partners regarding contraception were not major problems for this study group. However, going to see a doctor, with its associated costs, was found to be a barrier and problems with transportation was significantly associated with lack of contraceptive use. Conclusions: Family planning interventions have focused on providing education and subsidized contraceptives to reduce unmet need. However, these services are still not affordable for the poor. Family planning programs should consider all costs associated with obtaining effective methods and find additional means to provide contraceptives directly to individuals, especially in communities with high rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Learning Objectives: Describe barriers to contraceptive use among low income women
Keywords: Family Planning, Low-Income
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.