Factors associated with effective contraceptive use among a sample of Latino men and women residing in rural communities in the Northwest

Although women from diverse backgrounds experience unintended pregnancies, Latina women are disproportionately at risk. One factor contributing to unintended pregnancy among Latinas is the low rate of contraceptive use. Although previous research has addressed high rates of unintended pregnancy among Latina adolescents, few studies have examined contraceptive use among young Latino adults. Even fewer have examined these issues among Latinos living in rural areas. Non-traditional areas such as the Northwestern states are, however, experiencing dramatic increases in the number of Latino residents in rural communities. To meet the contraceptive needs of this growing population, information on barriers to effective contraceptive use is needed. Recent research suggests that relationship factors may be as or more important than individual factors in contraceptive use. In this cross sectional study we compare men and women using effective contraceptives (56%) with all others (non-users and users of ineffective methods) on variables hypothesized to influence contraceptive use with a focus on partner-specific relationship characteristics. Data come from structured in-person interviews with a convenience sample of Latino women (n=243) and men (n=233) living in the rural Northwest. Bivariate analysis indicated that partner-specific factors (i.e., sexual decision-making, perceived vulnerability to pregnancy, motivation to avoid pregnancy, self-efficacy, and commitment) and cultural factors (i.e., machismo and level of acculturation) were associated with effective contraceptive use. Results from multivariate analysis, including differences by gender, will be presented and implications for the development of programs to prevent unintended pregnancy tailored for Latino young adults residing in rural communities will be discussed.