The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #74457

Katrina M Walsemann, MPH, Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, 1420 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, 734-973-2883, kwalsema@umich.edu and Anthony D. Perez, Department of Sociology, University of Michigan, 500 South State Street, Room 3020, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.

Five percent of oral contraceptive users experience an unintended pregnancy every year due to inconsistent usage. Previous medical research suggests that anxiety may play a role in medication compliance, yet no known studies have examined the relationship between anxiety and oral contraceptive use. To test this relationship, we analyze data from the National Survey of Family Growth Cycle V (NSFG-V), restricting our sample to non-Hispanic black and white women who reported using the pill in all three calendar months prior to the interview and reported having sex during that same three month time period. We find that women who report multiple episodes of anxiety lasting at least six months have a greater probability of being inconsistent users. The significance of this finding persists even after controlling for a variety of factors such as age, marital status, race, poverty, education, and sexual history/behavior. We close by suggesting goals for future research and by discussing the role of health care providers and health educators in addressing oral contraception compliance in light of our findings.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to:
• Discuss why consistent use of oral contraceptives is important in reducing rates of unintended pregnancy.
• Recognize the importance of anxiety in a woman’s ability to consistently take her oral contraceptive pills.
• Understand the physician’s role in placing women in their social context when discussing possible contraceptive methods.
• Recognize that risk factors for inconsistent use may vary by ethnicity.

Keywords: Contraceptives, Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.