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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Brenda Colley Gilbert, PhD, MSPH, Darrlyn Cornelius, MPH, and John S Santelli, MD, MPH. Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Mailstop K22, Atlanta, GA 30341, 7704886295, bjc4@cdc.gov
Introduction: Unintended pregnancy is an important public health problem; nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended. Pregnancy intention can affect both the mother and the health and well-being of the infant. Data to monitor the burden and measure progress in addressing unintended pregnancy are limited at both the state and national levels.
Methods: We identified the major national sources of population-based data on unintended pregnancy. Each source was reviewed and characterized by common elements: target population, data collection methodology, data availability, and database content. Further, we compared and contrasted each data source and assessed data gaps.
Results: Three national surveys have a focus on unintended pregnancy and related reproductive health issues for women and can produce population-based estimates: National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The systems varied on several elements; for example, data collection methods: telephone (BRFSS), personal interviews (NSFG), mail and telephone (PRAMS). National estimates of unintended pregnancy are not available on a routine annual basis. State estimates are available in a limited number of states for select years.
Conclusions: Data to monitor the magnitude of unintended pregnancy in the United States are limited; current data sources vary substantially on populations covered, methodology, data available, and database content. There are significant gaps in data needed to monitor trends, assess progress towards health objectives, and to design effective programs and interventions to reduce unintended pregnancy and improve utilization of family planning and other reproductive health services.
Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.