Beliefs Concerning Contraceptive Acquisition and Use Among Low-Income Women

Despite the availability of a wide variety of safe and effective contraceptives, unintended pregnancy remains a problem of considerable social and public health concern. This qualitative, descriptive investigation was based on Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior. The study examined attitudinal and normative beliefs, as well as perceived control factors that may affect a woman's intention to acquire and use specific contraceptive methods. The study sample consisted of 42 low-income women of reproductive potential. In face-to-face, audiotaped interviews, open-ended questions were used to elicit salient beliefs that affected these women's decision making about contraceptive acquisition and use. Respondents named embarrassment as a factor influencing condom acquisition and use; concerns about potential risks and side effects were a major deterrent to use of hormonal contraceptives. Implications for practitioners and public policy are suggested.