Factors associated with effective contraceptive use among a sample of Latina women

Unintended pregnancy disproportionately affects Latina women. One factor contributing to unintended pregnancy among Latinas is the low rate of contraceptive use. This study examined correlates of effective contraceptive use among a sample of Latina women (n=202) at increased risk for HIV. In addition to traditional intrapersonal variables (i.e., perceived risk of pregnancy, motivation to avoid pregnancy), the present study examined the role of the male partner and relationship factors (i.e., relationship commitment, duration, pregnancy prevention decision-making) on contraceptive use. Participants were recruited from clinics and community locations in East Los Angeles and administered a 60-minute in-person interview. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compare women who consistently used effective contraceptives (36%) to women using no method or an ineffective method. Women in relationships of 1 to 2 years were nearly 3 times more likely to use an effective contraceptive compared to women in relationships of less than 1 year (odds ratio (OR)=2.7, 95% CI 1.1, 6.7). Women were more than twice as likely to use an effective method if they reported a high level of involvement in decision-making about whether to use contraception (OR=2.3, 95% CI 1.1, 4.7) or had discussed contraception with their partner (OR=2.4, 95% CI 1.03, 5.6). This study provides additional information about the importance of male partners and relationship factors in contraceptive use among Latina women. Efforts to prevent unintended pregnancy need to address the role of relationship factors in the sexual risk and protective behaviors of Latinas.