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Contraceptive method switching in the United States.
William R Grady1, John O G Billy, Daniel H Klepinger
1Battelle Center for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Seattle, USA. grady@battelle.org
Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health
|July 26, 2002
Summary
Contraceptive method switching is common among U.S. women, with rates varying by marital status and method. Key factors influencing these choices include effectiveness, health risks, and STD prevention.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Demography
- Sociology
Background:
- Contraceptive method switching significantly impacts unintended pregnancy rates.
- Research on contraceptive switching patterns among U.S. women is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze contraceptive method switching rates and determinants among married and unmarried U.S. women.
- To identify characteristics influencing women's contraceptive method choices.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth.
- Employed multiple-decrement life tables and discrete-time hazard models to assess switching behavior.
Main Results:
- High overall contraceptive method switching rates observed: 40% for married and 61% for unmarried women.
- Switching rates differ based on current method use, with nonusers often exhibiting higher rates.
- Factors like parity, age, education, and marital status influence specific method switching patterns.
Conclusions:
- Contraceptive switching decisions are influenced by perceived effectiveness, health risks, and, for unmarried women, STD prevention.
- Understanding these switching dynamics is crucial for improving contraceptive counseling and access.