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Chronically homeless women's perceived deterrents to contraception
Lillian Gelberg1, Barbara Leake, Michael C Lu
1Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), USA. gelberg@ucla.edu
Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health
|February 1, 2003
Summary
Homeless women face many barriers to using contraception, including side effects, health risks, and cost. Addressing these diverse deterrents is crucial for improving reproductive health services for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Homeless women of reproductive age represent a growing population with limited understanding of their reproductive health and contraceptive practices.
- Unintended pregnancies are a significant concern among homeless women, particularly those experiencing chronic homelessness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reproductive health and contraceptive use among homeless women.
- To identify perceived deterrents to contraceptive use and their relationship with contraceptive frequency.
- To explore predictors of contraceptive deterrents in this population.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 974 homeless women in Los Angeles County, with a focus on 229 chronically homeless women at risk for unintended pregnancy.
- Chi-square tests were used to analyze the relationship between perceived deterrents and contraceptive use frequency.
- Logistic regression analyses identified independent predictors of contraceptive deterrents.
Main Results:
- Common deterrents included side effects, health risks, partner disapproval, and cost (20-27%).
- Women reporting significant deterrents were less likely to use contraceptives consistently.
- Deterrents varied by ethnicity and history of drug abuse, highlighting specific barriers for Hispanic, Black, and women with substance use disorders.
Conclusions:
- Homeless women encounter substantial obstacles to contraceptive use, impacting their reproductive autonomy.
- The diverse and numerous deterrents necessitate integrated and culturally competent reproductive health services tailored to the unique needs of homeless women.