Reducing Unplanned Pregnancies in the Navy.
Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify promising approaches to reduce unplanned pregnancies in the Navy. A message was sent to Navy commands with women to collect information on efforts to address this problem. Using 1988 and 1992 surveys, responses of first-term enlisted women with planned and unplanned pregnancies were compared to responses of nonpregnant women to identify demographic differences. Finally, civilian studies of efforts to prevent pregnancy among adolescents were examined. The findings indicated that while only about a third of all commands that responded to the message have pregnancy programs, 60% of the women in the sample are at such commands. Most programs provide little more than information about rights and responsibilities, the costs of pregnancy, and contraceptive methods. The surveys revealed that E-2 to E-4 women who planned their pregnancies were older, in a higher paygrade, and more likely to he married and carry their pregnancies to term than those who had not. The most effective civilian programs for reducing pregnancy incorporate many factors in addition to providing contraceptive information. These factors included developing motivation to use contraception and improving access to contraceptives. Also important are providing instruction, practice, and skill-building in decision making, assertiveness, communications, and other social skills necessary to negotiate abstinence or contraceptive use, and changing the peer group climate to support and reinforce such behaviors. It was recommended that (1) all routine Navy physicals for first-term men and women include a discussion of risks of pregnancy, sexual transmitted diseases, and contraceptives; (2) the sexuality curriculum in recruit training be expanded; (3) training materials be developed; (4) training be developed for chief petty officers
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA307111
Entities
People
- Marjorie H. Royle
- Patricia J. Thomas