Marjorie R. Sable, DrPH, MSW¹, James D. Campbell, PhD², and Anne Dannerbeck-Janku, PhD¹. (1) School of Social Work, University of Missouri-Columbia, 726 Clark Hall, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, 573/882-0914, SableM@missouri.edu, (2) Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, School of Medicine, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212

Focus groups were conducted among recently immigrated Hispanic women (3 groups) and men (3 groups) in a Midwest community to determine factors that inhibit or enhance acquisition and use of family planning. The purpose of the research was to improve family planning services by designing community outreach to Hispanic immigrants, educating local providers, and disseminating educational materials. Preliminary findings from the focus groups reveal that these recently immigrated Hispanic men and women agree on the benefits of planning for children, and particularly acknowledge the need to limit family size. Among the less educated, impediments to adhering to this value are lack of knowledge about birth control methods and sexuality (eating limes can prevent pregnancy; pregnancy occurs with orgasm); reliance on birth control methods that avoid inconvenience and cost (preference for withdrawal and home remedies); an attitude of embarrassment and distrust of modern birth control methods and the health care system; and lack of money or health insurance in accessing prescription methods of birth control when they are desired. Relations between the newly immigrated partners shift, with domestic violence increasing from the strain associated with relocation, fear of authorities, unrealized expectations and financial difficulties. In addition, release from village-based living constraints, and integration into greater American culture’s relaxed mores, adds confusion to partner relationships within which decisions on family size and spacing are made. These preliminary findings will be presented and discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify factors that inhibit access and use of family planning among immigrant populations.
• Explain how family planning decisions are impacted by power redistributed in households as result of pressures from dominant society.
• Describe how community outreach can be used to enhance family planning service utilization.

Keywords: Family Planning, Hispanic

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.