Exploring Contraceptive Pill Taking among Hispanic Women in the United States

The Examination of Young Mexican American Women’s Contraceptive Use

The purpose of this paper is to review all literature on young Mexican American women’s contraceptive use practices in the U.S. to provide an overall picture of the largest Hispanic subgroup. We also discuss how sex education is important to contraceptive use and how parent-child sex communication takes place among young women of this specific population.

Predicting Condom Use Among Sexually Experienced Latino Adolescents

There is limited research on how aspects of Latino culture affect condom use among Latino adolescents. In this study, the authors examined the effects of familialism, gender roles, and religiosity on condom use intentions and past condom use. Results showed only religiosity predicted past condom use; no other cultural variable had either a direct or an indirect effect on condom use intentions or past condom use. These findings represent an important effort in promoting safer sex behaviors among sexually active Latino adolescents.

Characteristics related to effective contraceptive use among a sample of nonurban Latinos

CONTEXT

A better understanding of effective contraceptive use among Latinos is needed to reduce their high rate of unintended pregnancy. Most research has focused on urban Latinas and has overlooked the relationship context of effective contraceptive use.

METHODS

Interviews were conducted among a sample of 450 Latino women and men aged 18-25 in sexual relationships, who were recruited from community sites in four rural Oregon counties in 2006. Bivariate and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations between effective contraceptive use and -individual, cultural and relationship characteristics.

RESULTS

Half of participants reported effective contraceptive use in their primary relationships: Thirty-six percent consistently used a female method, and 15% consistently used condoms. Acculturation and confidence in one's -ability to practice contraception with a primary partner were associated with female method use rather than no effective use (risk ratios, 0.7 and 1.7, respectively). Participation in sexual decision making was positively associated with condom use rather than no effective method use (2.2) or female method use (1.9); partner involvement in birth control was positively associated with condom use rather than female method use (1.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Variations in effective contraceptive use among nonurban Latinos appear related to relationship characteristics and dynamics. Contraceptive counseling and unintended pregnancy prevention programs that are tailored to reflect relationship contexts and to include male partners where appropriate could improve the quality and cultural relevance of services among nonurban Latinos.

Familial, cultural and psychosocial influences of use of effective methods of contraception among Mexican-American adolescents and young adults

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare culturally relevant factors associated with ever having used an effective method of contraception among a cohort of predominantly Mexican American females.

DESIGN

Face to face interviews were conducted in either English or Spanish. The survey used was developed directly for this study based on qualitative research with this population as well as the existing literature. Women were grouped as either adolescents (ages 13-20) or young adults (ages 21-25) for study purposes.

SETTING

Two community-based outpatient clinics on Chicago's West Side.

PARTICIPANTS

Non-pregnant Latina females between 13-25 years of age.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Comparison of familial, cultural and psychosocial factors associated with use of effective contraception using bivariate and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

Final analysis included 267 participants. Multivariable models yielded three factors found to be statistically significant predictors of effective contraception use, but only one was significant for both age groups. Number of children was a strong predictor of effective contraceptive use among both Latina adolescents and young adults (P < 0.001 for adolescents and P = 0.049 for young adults). Partner communication predicted effective contraceptive use among Latina adolescents (P = 0.001). Acculturation level strongly predicted effective contraceptive use among Latina young adults (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings demonstrate the need to tailor messages to Latina adolescent and young adults to reduce unintended pregnancy. Interventions to improve effective contraceptive use among Latina adolescents should promote effective forms of contraception in conjunction with communication with their partners about birth control. In contrast, efforts to address unintended pregnancy among Latina young adults should be sensitive to degree of acculturation.

Why Do Women Miss Oral Contraceptive Pills? An Analysis of Women's Self-Described Reasons for Missed Pills

Inconsistent use of oral contraceptives (OCs) exposes women to risks of unintended pregnancy. This study explored women's self-described reasons for missed OC pills. Data from diary cards completed by 141 women were studied to see how reasons for missing pills were related to patterns of pill use. The findings suggest that practitioners might improve OC use by focusing on the reasons that women miss pills, thus providing a more tailored approach that addresses individual risks based on women's personal experiences.

Studying the use of oral contraception: a review of measurement approaches

BACKGROUND

Although oral contraception (OC) misuse is presumed to play an important role in unwanted pregnancy, research findings have often been equivocal, perhaps reflecting unaddressed inconsistencies in methodological approaches.

METHODS

Using established databases, we performed a systematic review of measurement methods for OC use using primary research reports published from January 1965 to December 2009.

RESULTS

Terminology used to describe OC use, which included "continuation," "compliance," and "adherence," differed across studies and was rarely defined. The majority of studies (n = 27 of 38, 71%) relied solely on self-report measures of OC use. Only two reports described survey or interview questions, and reliability and validity data were seldom described. More rigorous measurement methods, such as pill counts (electronic or manual), serum and urinary biomarkers, and pharmacy records, were infrequently employed. Nineteen studies simultaneously used more than one method, but only three studies compared direct and indirect methods.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of a consistent, well-defined measurement of OC use limits our understanding of contraceptive misuse and related negative outcomes. Future research should clarify terminology, develop standardized measures, incorporate multimethod approaches with innovative methods, and publish details of measurement methods.

Attitudes towards the male contraceptive pill in men and women in casual and stable sexual relationships

BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY

Men's and women's attitudes towards the male contraceptive pill and their trust in the effective use of the male pill were investigated, as well as the associated variables of reported health behaviours, perceived self-efficacy and type of sexual relationship, using a questionnaire survey.

RESULTS

Although both sexes had a favourable attitude towards the male pill, females had a more positive attitude than men. Conversely, women had less trust that men would use the male pill effectively. Males in stable sexual relationships were more positive about the male pill than those in casual sexual relationships. Gender, relationship type and trust in the effective use of the male pill reliably predicted attitude towards the male pill. High perceived self-efficacy was related to engaging in more health behaviours, and in men a positive association between health behaviours and attitude towards the male pill has been found.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

A positive attitude towards the male pill does not automatically imply that the individual is confident about its effective use. Once the male pill is widely available, promotional campaigns could target not only men but also their female partners, as the latter tend to come into contact with health services more frequently. In order to increase confidence in effective implementation, a variety of presentations of the male pill should be made available in line with individual needs and lifestyles.

What has the literature taught us about culturally competent care of women and children

This article describes what is currently in the literature about culturally competent care for women and children. With the population of the United States growing increasingly diverse, there is a developing need for cultural competency among nurses and throughout healthcare organizations. Cultural competence includes both culture-specific and culture-generic knowledge, attitudes, and skills. While databased literature on cultural competency still requires further development, we do have evidence of positive outcomes of culturally competent care. The end result of the provision of culturally competent care by culturally competent nurses and healthcare organizations can be significant improvements in the health and well-being of women and children.