This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Zapka, J. G. Articles by Rudenberg, E. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Zapka, J. G. Articles by Rudenberg, E. Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

Diaphragm Method Contraceptors: Implications for Service Organization and Delivery

School of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts

Harris Pastides, PhD

School of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts

Elizabeth Rudenberg, MS

School of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts

Despite dissemination of modem contraceptive techniques among college women, unplanned pregnancy and pregnancy termination rates remain a major health issue.¹ An investigation of 495 college women who use the diaphragm method of contraception was conducted in order to estimate pregnancy occurrence, to better understand factors related to successful use, and to profile service utilization patterns. Data were collected by medical record audit and client survey. Fifteen percent of the diaphragm clients reported a diaphragm-related pregnancy: clinical ef fectiveness was estimated to be 88% with a rate of 9.75 pregnancies per 100 woman years of diaphragm use. A variety of demographic, personal history, and behavioral variables were found to be related to three dependent variables: pregnancy, consistent diaphragm use, and accurate diaphragm use. Review of clinic service utilization for this group of patients demonstrated considerable resource use, including frequent switching of prescription contraception methods. Considering all pregnancies, diaphragm related or not, 27% of the study subjects reported at least one unplanned pregnancy. Abortion was elected in 98% of these cases.

There is general agreement about the need to focus on education, information, and service measures to reduce the incidence of unintended fertility. Many universities have family planning services available, yet unsuccessful outcome continues to be a concern. Specific and practical protocols for service implementation need clearer definition. Thus, the implications of this research for the content and organization of clinic services are discussed with reference to counseling and education and other systems strategies.

Health Education & Behavior, Vol. 12, No. 3, 245-257 (1985)
DOI: 10.1177/109019818501200303


CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?