A test of a model to predict and explain contraceptive use among adult multiparous females

A significant number of women in the U.S. are at risk for unintended pregnancy. Research in psychosocial influences on contraceptive-use decisions offers potential insight for intervention and behavior change. Social learning theoretical models that include value-expectancy variables have been successful in predicting contraceptive behavior. The research described is a study of a value-expectancy model for contraceptive use in a sample of adult multiparous women. The model was tested using path analysis and a data set from a recent study of the psychosocial sequelae of tubal sterilization in Alabama women. The purpose was to determine how well the model predicts which women used contraception over the subsequent year. The study sample consisted of the 317 women in the comparison group. These women all reported intention to use contraception over the next year. Results indicated that the model was useful in predicting and explaining contraceptive behavior. The most important influences among the model variables were past use of an effective contraception method, and intention to use an effective contraception method.