Understanding Contraceptive Behaviors Among Latinas

Abstract

In the United States, Latinas account for one-fourth of unintended pregnancies with more than half become pregnant before they even turn 20 years old. Exploring influential factors that impact contraception behaviors could aid in understanding unintended pregnancy among this population. The aim of this dissertation was to assess reproductive autonomy beliefs, marianismo beliefs, and contraception behaviors among an exclusively Latina sample and explore the relationships between these constructs.

In the United States, Latinas account for one-fourth of unintended pregnancies with more than half becoming pregnant before they even turn 20 years old. Exploring influential factors that impact contraception behaviors could aid in understanding unintended pregnancy among this population. The aim of this dissertation was to assess reproductive autonomy beliefs, marianismo beliefs, and contraception behaviors among an exclusively Latina sample and explore the relationships between these constructs. Participant survey data from 567 Latinas was used to run Structural Equation Models. Results indicated that aspects of reproductive autonomy influence contraception negotiation skills, in a monogamous relationship (est. = 0.582; p = 0.000) and while single (est. = 0.198; p = 0.000). Marianismo beliefs were seen to influence contraception negotiation skills in a monogamous relationship (est. = -0.349; p = 0.003) and current contraception use (est. = -0.516; p = 0.008). Mediation models also confirmed that marianismo beliefs partially mediated the relationship between certain reproductive autonomy beliefs and contraception negotiation skills in a monogamous relationship. Culturally tailored interventions are needed to reduce unintended pregnancy rates among Latinas.