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Beltz AM. Hormonal contraceptives and behavior: Updating the potent state of the nascent science. Horm Behav 2024; 164:105574. [PMID: 38972245 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Hundreds of millions of people worldwide use hormonal contraceptives (HCs), which have been an essential part of women's reproductive health care for decades. Throughout that time, however, research on the neural and behavioral consequences of HCs was minimal and plagued by poor methodology. HC effects - and users - were assumed to be homogenous. Fortunately, there has been a recent upswell in the number and quality of investigations, affording tentative conclusions about the roles of HCs in spatial cognition and mental health, particularly depression. Thus, this paper leverages findings from the past few years to highlight the heterogeneous aspects of use that seem to matter for behavior - ranging from variation in hormonal contraceptive formulations and routes of administration to individual differences among users linked to age and reproductive health history. This paper closes with five tips for future research that will help capture and clarify heterogeneity in potential relations between HCs and behavior, namely data collection, regional access, lifespan factors, gender, and collaboration. HCs are sociopolitically provocative and research on their potential behavioral neuroendocrine impacts is becoming increasingly popular. It is, therefore, imperative for scientists to conduct replicable and robust empirical investigations, and to communicate findings with the nuance that the heterogeneity among users and effects requires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriene M Beltz
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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2
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Martin MI, Mauer-Vakil D, Borkhoff CM, Parkin PC, Bayoumi I. Connecting families: a qualitative study examining the experiences of parenting young children under financial strain in Ontario, Canada. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:913. [PMID: 38549075 PMCID: PMC10976761 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18463-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is little research investigating the subjective experiences of parenting young children while living in poverty and experiencing financial strain using qualitative methodologies. Therefore, the objective of this study was to employ a qualitative approach to provide a nuanced and balanced view on the topic of parenting young children under financial strain in the Canadian context. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews between July and August 2021 in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Sixteen participants aged 20-39 self-identified as living under financial strain while parenting a child aged 2-5 years. A qualitative inductive thematic analysis was undertaken with a focus on describing the contents of the data. RESULTS Four major themes emerged from the data: experience of being a parent, impact of financial strain on the family unit, impact of financial strain on the children, and impact of financial strain on the parent. Numerous deleterious physical, mental, and material impacts on the family unit and parent were identified, however parent-perceived impacts of financial strain on their children were minimal. Parents described striking levels of resourcefulness and resiliency in providing the necessities for their families, absorbing the most significant impacts of financial strain through the phenomenon of self-sacrifice. CONCLUSION The impacts of financial strain on families with young children are far reaching. Further research into the impacts of self-sacrifice on parents experiencing financial strain are needed to better understand this issue, and to inform social programming and resources that could help alleviate the deleterious impacts of poverty on parent mental, social, and physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary I Martin
- Centre for Studies in Primary Care, Queen's University, 220 Bagot St, K7L 5E9, Kingston, ON, P.O. Bag 8888, Canada
| | - Dane Mauer-Vakil
- Centre for Studies in Primary Care, Queen's University, 220 Bagot St, K7L 5E9, Kingston, ON, P.O. Bag 8888, Canada
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cornelia M Borkhoff
- Pediatric Outcomes Research Team (PORT), Division of Pediatric Medicine and SickKids Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia C Parkin
- Pediatric Outcomes Research Team (PORT), Division of Pediatric Medicine and SickKids Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Temetry Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Imaan Bayoumi
- Centre for Studies in Primary Care, Queen's University, 220 Bagot St, K7L 5E9, Kingston, ON, P.O. Bag 8888, Canada.
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Auerbach S, Agbemenu K, Lorenz R, Hequembourg A, Ely GE. Contraceptive Behavior in Appalachia: Exploring Use, Nonuse, and Contraceptive Attitudes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6862. [PMID: 37835132 PMCID: PMC10572216 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Very little is known about contraceptive behavior in Appalachia, a large geographic region in the eastern United States where even basic prevalence estimates of contraceptive use/nonuse are lacking. This study characterizes contraceptive behavior among Appalachians, including contraceptive use, reasons for use, and methods used; contraceptive nonuse and reasons for nonuse; and attitudes about contraception, including acceptability. This is a secondary analysis of a subsample of survey data collected on sexual and reproductive health attitudes, behaviors, and needs among reproductive-age women (18-49 years) living in the Appalachian region (n = 332). Results identify rates of contraceptive use (66.6%) and nonuse (33.1%) among Appalachian residents. Methods used most frequently included those that did not require prescription (i.e., external condoms and natural family planning methods) though many reported the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs). Among nonusers, fear of side effects from contraception and ambivalence towards pregnancy were most commonly selected as the most important reason for not using contraception. Contraception was considered acceptable by this sample overall, and these acceptability attitudes were significantly associated with contraceptive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Auerbach
- School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA; (K.A.); (R.L.); (A.H.)
| | - Kafuli Agbemenu
- School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA; (K.A.); (R.L.); (A.H.)
| | - Rebecca Lorenz
- School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA; (K.A.); (R.L.); (A.H.)
| | - Amy Hequembourg
- School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA; (K.A.); (R.L.); (A.H.)
| | - Gretchen E. Ely
- College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA;
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Arcara J, Caton L, Gómez AM. Desire, acceptability, and expected resolution: A latent class analysis of current pregnancy orientation in the United States. PERSPECTIVES ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 54:13-23. [PMID: 35156298 DOI: 10.1363/psrh.12187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scant research has examined latent and contextual dimensions of pregnancy intentions, conventionally classifying unintended pregnancies as mistimed (wanted later) or unwanted (not wanted at all). Being at risk of mistimed pregnancy likely encompasses a broad spectrum of emotions and expectations regarding pregnancy and merits further exploration. METHOD Using a national sample from GfK's online KnowledgePanel of women aged 15-39 considered at risk of mistimed pregnancy in 2017 (n = 1278), we conducted a latent class analysis to assess underlying patterns of current pregnancy orientation using three items: pregnancy desire, pregnancy acceptability, and expected pregnancy resolution. As class structure varied by relationship status (serious or not), we stratified analyses by relationship status. RESULTS Among women in serious relationships, three classes emerged: "No," "Slightly okay," and "Acceptable." For those not in serious relationships, there were two classes: "Strong no" and "Ambiguous." Overall, the classes indicate varied patterns of wantedness, acceptability, and anticipated resolution to potential pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS This analysis reinforces that the construct of mistimed pregnancy is too restrictive to reflect the inherent diversity of prospective pregnancy orientation. The combination of relationship type as a grouping variable for stratified analyses, financial hardships' impact, and the overall effect of increasing age on increasing interest in pregnancy suggest the importance of locating pregnancy intentions within the broader reproductive life course. Scholars, clinicians, and public health programs should allow for multidimensionality of pregnancy perspectives, locate them within the broader life course, and acknowledge the potential impacts of stratified relationship formation on eventual pregnancy intentions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennet Arcara
- Sexual Health and Reproductive Equity Program, School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Lauren Caton
- Sexual Health and Reproductive Equity Program, School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Anu Manchikanti Gómez
- Sexual Health and Reproductive Equity Program, School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
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Aoki RLF, Uong SP, Gomez SL, Alexeeff SE, Caan BJ, Kushi LH, Torres JM, Guan A, Canchola AJ, Morey BN, Lin K, Kroenke CH. Individual- and neighborhood-level socioeconomic status and risk of aggressive breast cancer subtypes in a pooled cohort of women from Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Cancer 2021; 127:4602-4612. [PMID: 34415571 PMCID: PMC8997171 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low socioeconomic status (SES) has been associated with a higher risk of aggressive breast cancer (BC) subtypes, but few studies have examined the independent effects of both neighborhood-level socioeconomic status (nSES) and individual-level SES measures. METHODS This study included 5547 women from the Pathways and Life After Cancer Epidemiology cohorts who were diagnosed with invasive BC. Generalized estimating equation models were used to examine associations of nSES (a composite score based on income, poverty, education, occupation, employment, rent, and house value) and individual-level SES (income and education) with BC subtypes: luminal B (LumB), Her2-enriched (Her2-e), and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) relative to luminal A (LumA). Models controlled for age, race, nativity, stage, days from diagnosis to survey, and study cohort and simultaneously for nSES and individual-level SES. RESULTS In fully adjusted models, low nSES was significantly associated with the LumB (odds ratio for quartile 1 vs quartile 4 [ORQ1vQ4 ], 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.54; P for trend = .005) and TNBC subtypes (ORQ1vQ4 , 1.32; 95% CI, 1.02-1.71; P for trend = .037) relative to LumA. Conversely, individual education was significantly associated with only the Her2-e subtype (odds ratio for high school degree or less vs postgraduate, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.03-2.75; P for trend = .030) relative to LumA. Individual income was not significantly associated with any BC subtype. CONCLUSIONS nSES and individual-level SES are independently associated with different BC subtypes; specifically, low nSES and individual-level education are independent predictors of more aggressive BC subtypes relative to LumA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhonda-Lee F. Aoki
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Stephen P. Uong
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Scarlett Lin Gomez
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Stacey E. Alexeeff
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Bette J. Caan
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Lawrence H. Kushi
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
| | - Jacqueline M. Torres
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Alice Guan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Alison J. Canchola
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Brittany N. Morey
- Department of Health, Society, and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Katherine Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Candyce H. Kroenke
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California
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Gomez AM, Arteaga S, Freihart B. Structural Inequity and Pregnancy Desires in Emerging Adulthood. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:2447-2458. [PMID: 33511506 PMCID: PMC8316486 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01854-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Public health discourses often claim that delaying pregnancy is associated with social and economic benefits. Yet research suggests that, for young people, structural inequity is most influential in future outcomes, regardless of childbearing. We conducted in-depth interviews with 50 young women (ages 18-24) and their male partners (n = 100) and investigated the influence of structural inequity on pregnancy desires and plans. Three themes emerged, stratified by social advantage. In the "Things Will Be Different Later" theme, socially advantaged participants envisioned that their future lives would surely be different due to achievement of educational, professional, and economic goals; thus, their pregnancy plans aligned with their desires, often reflected in use of highly effective contraception. In the "I Don't Have Everything I Need" theme, participants expressed delaying desired pregnancies (primarily through condom use) until they could contend with structural barriers. Their pregnancy plans, shifted by way of structural inequity, were not aligned with their desires. Under the "I'll Never Have Everything I Need" theme, socially disadvantaged participants expressed significant doubt about ever realizing ideal circumstances for pregnancy preparedness; as pregnancy prevention was not salient, these participants used condoms or no contraception. This analysis indicates that structural inequities constrain reproductive self-determination in emerging adulthood, creating a chasm between desired and actual childbearing that was reflected in contraceptive decision-making. Public health narratives emphasizing the importance of pregnancy prevention for socially disadvantaged groups without addressing the manifestation of structural inequity in their lives perpetuate reproductive oppression vis-à-vis emphasis on contraceptive use to ensure future economic success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Manchikanti Gomez
- Sexual Health and Reproductive Equity Program, School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, 110 Haviland Hall, MC 7400, Berkeley, CA, 94720-7400, USA.
| | - Stephanie Arteaga
- Sexual Health and Reproductive Equity Program, School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, 110 Haviland Hall, MC 7400, Berkeley, CA, 94720-7400, USA
| | - Bridget Freihart
- Sexual Health and Reproductive Equity Program, School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, 110 Haviland Hall, MC 7400, Berkeley, CA, 94720-7400, USA
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Chinopfukutwa VS, Blodgett Salafia EH. Investigating College Women's Contraceptive Choices and Sexuality. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2021; 33:268-282. [PMID: 38595741 PMCID: PMC10929579 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2021.1908477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Objective This study examined the link between sexuality and contraceptive choices among college women after controlling for their relationship status. Additionally, the relationship between responsibility for contraception and women's contraceptive choices was investigated. Method: Online self-report surveys of sexuality and contraception were collected from 455 college women in the United States. Results: Women mostly preferred dual-method contraception. Sexual esteem and sexual depression predicted women's contraceptive choices. Finally, having personal or shared responsibility for contraception predicted women's contraceptive choices. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that women's psychological well-being empowers them to make contraceptive choices that allow them to experience sexuality in healthy ways.
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Pharmacy-based initiatives to reduce unintended pregnancies: A scoping review. Res Social Adm Pharm 2021; 17:1673-1684. [PMID: 33582078 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2021.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community pharmacy contraception services are thought to improve access, with the potential to reduce the persistent sexual and reproductive health inequities observed globally. OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify the range of pharmacy-based initiatives addressing unintended pregnancy in the primary literature and examine their feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness. METHOD Using the Joanna Briggs Institute Methodology for Scoping Reviews, we searched seven bibliographic databases using combinations of keywords and subject headings for related to contraception and community pharmacy. Studies of any design undertaken in high income countries for reproductive-aged women were eligible provided they evaluated intervention or legislation after the implementation of these initiatives. Included articles were critically appraised and findings summarised narratively. RESULTS We identified 49 articles, 80% of which involved pharmacist supply of emergency contraception (EC), 14% of regular contraception methods, and 6% involved adjuncts of EC dispensing: counselling (2%) and bridging initiatives to link clients with regular contraception (4%). EC initiatives were perceived as feasible and were facilitated by interdisciplinary partnerships but there are persistent barriers to the provision of initiatives congruous with the retail pharmacy setting. Furthermore, consumers may be reluctant to receive contraceptive counselling from pharmacists but often value the convenience and anonymity pharmacy services offer. Overall, interventions improved access to contraceptive products but did not consistently reduce inequities, and the health benefits of pharmacy initiatives are either small (EC) or lacking description in the literature (other contraceptive methods and contraceptive counselling). CONCLUSIONS Pharmacy initiatives may not negate all barriers to access or reduce unintended pregnancy rates, however they are valued by pharmacists and consumers. Evidence gaps including the lack of description of health outcomes of regular contraception provision, contraceptive counselling and the perceived barriers and facilitators of access and provision from end-user perspectives, should be pursued in future research, to establish initiatives' utility and effectiveness.
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Marcil LE, Campbell JI, Silva KE, Hughes D, Salim S, Nguyen HAT, Kissler K, Hole MK, Michelson CD, Kistin CJ. Women's Experiences of the Effect of Financial Strain on Parenting and Mental Health. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2020; 49:581-592. [PMID: 32822649 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a conceptual theory to describe how financial strain affects women with young children to inform clinical care and research. DESIGN Qualitative, grounded theory. SETTING Participants were recruited from the waiting area of a pediatric clinic and an office of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children embedded within the largest safety-net academic medical center in New England. Participants were interviewed privately at the medical center or in the community. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-six English-speaking women, mostly single and African American/Black, with at least one child 5 years old or younger, were sampled until thematic saturation was met. METHODS We used grounded theory methodology to conduct in-depth, semistructured interviews with participants who indicated that they experienced financial strain. We analyzed the interview data using constant comparative analysis, revised the interview guide based on emerging themes, and developed a theoretical model. RESULTS Five interrelated themes emerged and were developed into a theoretical model: Financial Strain Has Specific Characteristics and Common Triggers, Financial Strain Is Exacerbated by Inadequate Assistance and Results in Tradeoffs, Financial Strain Forces Parenting Modifications, Women Experience Self-Blame, and Women Experience Mental Health Effects. CONCLUSION For women with young children, financial strain results in forced tradeoffs, compromised parenting practices, and self-blame, which contribute to significant mental health problems. These findings can inform woman-centered clinical practice and advocacy interventions. Women's health care providers should identify families experiencing financial strain, provide referrals to financial services, and join advocacy efforts to advance social policies that address the structural causes of poverty, such as increased minimum wage and paid family leave.
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