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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Paul G. Whittaker, PhD, Rebecca Merkh, MA, and Linda Hock-Long, PhD. Research Department, Family Planning Council, 260 S. Broad St., Suite 1000, Philadelphia, PA 19102, 215-985-6769, paulw@familyplanning.org

Inconsistent and incorrect contraception use represent two proximate determinants of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STD). In light of the important role that women and men play in determining such adverse outcomes, couples-focused contraceptive services represent an emerging and relatively unexplored area of reproductive health. Because information is lacking regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of couples-focused contraceptive services, the Family Planning Council is conducting a mixed methods investigation to inform the development of a couples-focused contraceptive intervention that will be implemented and field-tested in Philadelphia neighborhoods with high STD and unintended pregnancy rates.

Discussion will focus on 2 main topics: 1) preliminary findings from consumer focus groups and interviews that illustrate the attitudes of young adult men and women toward communication about contraception use and potential couples-focused contraceptive services, and 2) preliminary findings from provider focus groups and surveys that depict family planning provider attitudes toward, experiences with, and suggestions for couples-focused contraceptive services.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the attitudes young men and women have regarding communicating about contraception use and couples-focused contraceptive services
• Understand family planning providers’ attitudes toward, experiences with and suggestions for couples-focused contraceptive services
• Describe how these preliminary findings relate to the design of a couples-focused contraceptive intervention

Keywords: Contraception, Communication

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered