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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Katrine Lofberg1, Claire Brindis, DrPH2, M. Antonia Biggs, PhD1, and Anna Ramirez, MPH3. (1) Center for Reproductive Health Research and Policy, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California Street, Suite 335, San Francisco, CA 94143-0744, (415) 502-8472, klofber@itsa.ucsf.edu, (2) Center for Reproductive Health Research and Policy, University of California at San Francisco, 3333 California Street, Suite 265, San Francisco, CA 94143-0936, (3) Office of Family Planning, State of California Department of Health Services, 714 P Street #440, Sacramento, CA 95814
The prevalence of adult unintended and adolescent pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in California can be gleaned from state and county statistics. Yet, these statistics do not divulge the nuances of a community’s struggles and successes in curbing these imperative problems. In order to obtain a community specific understanding of the factors affecting unintended and adolescent pregnancy and STIs, key informants discussion were held in ten California counties as part of the Family Planning Access Care and Treatment (Family PACT) program evaluation. Group discussions, each lasting 1 to 1 1/2 hours, were audiotaped and transcribed. Across counties, adult unplanned and adolescent pregnancies were identified as a problem in their communities. Qualitative analyses revealed an array of barriers to care ranging from logistical barriers, such as long wait times between making an appointment and the actual appointment, to attitudinal barriers, such as a complacent view towards pregnancy prevention. While distinct differences were found between rural and urban communities, many of the barriers were prevalent across counties. A number of strategies for preventing unintended pregnancies and decreasing STIs were also identified. Many agency representatives were adamantly in favor of the peer provider model and felt that the increased presence of male clinic workers had helped bolster the number of males served. While many agency representatives acknowledged that adult unplanned pregnancies were a problem in their communities, they were limited in their understanding of causes, consequences, and potential solutions to this problem.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to
Keywords: Reproductive Health, Family Planning
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: California Department of Health Services, Office of Family Planning's Family PACT Program
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Family PACT Program evaluator