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

Abstract #115135

Linda A. Detman, PhD and Kirsten Wallace, MA, MSPH. Lawton & Rhea Chiles Center for Healthy Mothers and Babies, University of South Florida, 3111 E. Fletcher Ave., MDC100, Tampa, FL 33613-4660, 813-974-8888, kwallac1@hsc.usf.edu

In this study, survey data from women who had just given birth were analyzed to examine how demographic factors, life stressors, and use of birth control contribute to predicting pregnancy intention. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from Medicaid eligible and uninsured women in the four pilot communities taking part in the National Friendly Accesssm Program, a community-based public health initiative aimed at improving access and use of quality prenatal and pediatric health services.

Preliminary analyses indicate demographic factors (age, race, living alone) and certain stressors occurring in the 12 months prior to birth (arguing more with partner and partner rejection of the pregnancy) play a significant role in explaining pregnancy intention. Use of contraceptives was low across the sample, even among women with unintended pregnancies, 68 percent did not use contraceptives. Qualitative data on reasons for not using birth control are assessed to further explore their role in understanding pregnancy intention.

Maternal stress factors and their possible effects on pregnancy outcomes are an emerging research concern; such stress factors may also affect a woman's ability to plan her pregnancy. We are aware of no studies that examine the contribution of life stressors (as measured by PRAMS questions on certain stressful life events) to predicting pregnancy intention. In addition, the lack of use of contraceptives suggests a complex process behind determining the intent to be pregnant. Understanding the individual, behavioral, and contextual factors that predict unintended pregnancies will help policy and program planners to develop more pertinent interventions and services.

Learning Objectives:

• List 3 poor outcomes associated with unintended pregnancy.
• Describe the main reasons for not using contraceptives among those with unintended pregnancies.
• Discuss the challenges in developing pregnancy intention interventions that take into account life stressors.

Keywords: Maternal Well-Being, Contraceptives

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.

Handout (.ppt format,