Emergency Contraception Use: The Influence of Awareness, Attitudes, and Beliefs among Non-Hispanic White, Non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic Women in the United States

Citation

Heller, Caroline; Perreira, Krista M.; Shartzer, Adele; Johnston, Emily M.; & Courtot, Brigette (2019). Emergency Contraception Use: The Influence of Awareness, Attitudes, and Beliefs among Non-Hispanic White, Non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic Women in the United States. Women's Health Issues, 29(2), 161-169.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Given persistent racial/ethnic disparities in unintended pregnancies, this study aims to understand factors associated with emergency contraception (EC) use among non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic women.
METHODS: This study used a nationally representative sample of 1,990 women of reproductive age in the United States who participated in the 2016 Survey of Family Planning and Women's Lives. Logistic regressions were estimated to assess the association of sexual/pregnancy history, attitudes toward pregnancy, attitudes toward contraception, awareness and beliefs about EC, and source of information regarding contraception with ever using EC.
RESULTS: After adjusting for demographic characteristics, we found no significant differences in ever using EC by race/ethnicity. Among non-Hispanic White women, those who used barrier methods of contraception reported a previous unplanned pregnancy, reported having heard some or a lot about EC, and believed that EC is somewhat to very effective had higher odds of EC use. Among non-Hispanic Black women, those who reported a previous unplanned pregnancy and believed that EC was somewhat to very effective had higher odds of EC use. Among Hispanic women, those who reported using long-acting reversible contraceptives, having recent male sexual partners, and believing that EC is both somewhat to very safe and effective had higher odds of EC use.
CONCLUSIONS: Awareness and beliefs about safety and effectiveness are modifiable factors that may influence EC use. Population-level interventions can focus on improving awareness and understanding of the safety and effectiveness of EC.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2019.01.003

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2019

Journal Title

Women's Health Issues

Author(s)

Heller, Caroline
Perreira, Krista M.
Shartzer, Adele
Johnston, Emily M.
Courtot, Brigette

ORCiD

Perreira - 0000-0003-2906-0261
Heller - 0000-0003-0133-0901