S. Marie Harvey, DrPH¹, Sheryl Thorburn Bird, PhD, MPH², Jillian T. Henderson, PhD, MPH³, and America Casillas¹. (1) Center for the Study of Women in Society, University of Oregon, 1201 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, (541) 346-4120, mharvey@uoregon.edu, (2) Department of Public Health, Oregon State University, 264 Waldo Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331-6406, (3) Center for Reproductive Health Research & Policy, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California Street, Suite 335, San Francisco, CA 94118

Unintended pregnancy disproportionately affects Latinas. One factor contributing to unintended pregnancy among Latinas is the low rate of contraceptive use. This study examines correlates of effective contraceptive use among a sample of Latina women (n=202) at increased risk for HIV. We compare women using effective contraceptives (36%) with all other women (non-users and users of ineffective methods) on variables hypothesized to influence contraceptive use. In addition to traditional intrapersonal variables (i.e., perceived risk of pregnancy and motivation to avoid pregnancy), the present study examines the role of the male partner and relationship factors (i.e., relationship commitment, duration, pregnancy prevention decision-making, partner support and motivation to avoid pregnancy) on contraceptive use. Latina women (aged 18-25 years) at increased risk of HIV were recruited from clinics and community locations in East Los Angeles and administered a 60-minute in-person interview. Preliminary analyses indicated that women using effective contraception were more motivated to avoid pregnancy, were trying harder to prevent pregnancy, were in partnerships of longer duration, played a greater role in deciding whether to use contraceptives, communicated with their partner about contraceptive use, had a partner who was supportive of contraceptive use and had a partner who played a lesser role in deciding to use condoms. Taken together, these findings suggest that male partners and relationship factors influence contraceptive behavior. Findings from multivariate analyses that assess the independent associations between these variables and use of effective contraception will be presented. Implications for interventions to prevent unintended pregnancy among Latina women will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Identify what factors are most strongly associated with effective contraceptive use among a sample of Latina women at increased risk for HIV.
• Describe the influence of male partners and relationship factors on contraceptive use among this sample of women.
• Discuss the implications of the findings for the design of interventions to prevent unintended pregnancy among Latina women.

Keywords: Contraception, Latino 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.