Cynthia Summers, DrPH, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), 165 Christopher Street, Apt. 6BB, New York, NY 10014, 212-645-6711, csumme1@uic.edu

Nearly 60% of pregnancies and 40% of births in the United States are reported to be unintended, and rates are particularly high among young never married women, those living in poverty, and African American women. Unintended pregnancies have been associated with inadequate prenatal care, substance use during pregnancy, low birth weight, infant mortality, child abuse and neglect, psychological morbidity in women, and lowered educational and economic attainment for children and young mothers. Although the body of research surrounding pregnancy intention continues to grow, there is very little published research that addresses the male component of pregnancy intention and decision making, even though many studies call for exploration of the partner's role. The objectives of this qualitative research are to address this knowledge gap by 1) exploring the meaning of “pregnancy intention” and “pregnancy planning” for male partners of African American women, and 2) exploring how women's pregnancy-related intentions, behaviors, and decisions are affected by their partners' desires and intentions. Knowledge gained in these interviews will inform the development of a refined conceptual model of pregnancy intention to improve understanding of fertility-related behaviors and thus improve efforts aimed at preventing pregnancies that will potentially lead to poor health outcomes. Specifically, the results of this study will be used to develop a more complete male-inclusive conceptual model surrounding pregnancy intention, and to inform researchers about the validity of current national survey questions on pregnancy intention, as well as make policy recommendations and direct research in ways that will reduce unintended pregnancies more effectively.

Learning Objectives:

• To inform the development of a more complete conceptual model and theory of pregnancy intention that include the male viewpoints and their effects.
• To assess the validity of current data collection instruments surrounding pregnancy intention and wantedness.
• To recommend policy and research directions that will lead to better prevention of unwanted pregnancies.

Keywords: Maternal and Child Health, Pregnancy

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.