Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #100857

Carmen Washington and Marjorie R. Sable, DrPH, MSW. School of Social Work, University of Missouri-Columbia, 726 Clark Hall, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, 573-882-0914, ccwnq5@mizzou.edu

Approximately 50 percent of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended. It has been suggested that some women may become sexually active or pregnant to fill a gap in their lives. This pilot study examines the relationship between pregnancy intentions and social well-being, specifically by looking at perceived loneliness and social support among a sample of low-income pregnant women. Approximately 80 pregnant women were interviewed at WIC and prenatal clinics. Perceived loneliness and social support were measured by use of the UCLA Revised Loneliness Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Index of Family Relations. Correlations between pregnancy intention and social well-being will be examined and discussed in the context of targeting efforts to reduce unintended pregnancy.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will

• identify factors that effect the relationship between prenancy intention and social well-being.

Keywords: Pregnancy, Maternal and Child Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation