Abstract
ObjectivesTo assess factors associated with pregnancy fatalism among U.S. adult women. Study designI used data from the Change and Consistency in Contraceptive Use study, which collected information from a national sample of 4634 U.S. women aged 18–39 at baseline (59% response rate). I assessed pregnancy fatalism based on agreement with the statement: “It doesn't matter whether I use birth control, when it is my time to get pregnant, it will happen.” I compared fatalism among all respondents to fatalism among respondents who were trying to get pregnant and those who did not want to get pregnant but were not using contraception. I used logistic regression to assess associations between nonuse of contraception and pregnancy fatalism at baseline and whether respondents were trying to get pregnant 6 months later. ResultsOverall, 36% of the sample expressed some degree of pregnancy fatalism, and proportions were higher for respondents trying to get pregnant (55%) and those not using contraception (57%). The association between pregnancy fatalism and trying to get pregnant was maintained after controlling for other characteristics [odds ratio (OR) 1.4, p=.01], as was the association for nonuse of contraception (OR 2.08, p<.001). Contraceptive nonusers at baseline were more likely than users to be trying to get pregnant 6 months later, especially if they expressed a fatalistic outlook at baseline. ConclusionsPregnancy fatalism may be a common outlook among women who are trying to get pregnant. Associations between fatalism and nonuse of contraception may be more complex than previously recognized. ImplicationsGaining a better understanding of the dynamics of pregnancy planning might inform our understanding of why some women do not use contraception.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.