Evaluation of Misconceptions about Unplanned Pregnancy and Contraception Among 20-29 year old Women

Abstract

Many pregnancies are unplanned, especially in certain age groups, and they may be prevented with increased understanding of contributing factors, including misinformation about contraceptive measures. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 49% percent of pregnancies were unintended in 2001 [Finer and Henshaw, 2001] and women between 20--‐29 years old accounted for 54% of unplanned pregnancies among all unmarried women [U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2001]. Furthermore, between 1994 and 2001, unplanned pregnancies in the United States increased among the 25--‐34 year old age group [Finer and Henshaw, 2006]. Despite the fact that this age group represents the highest rate of unplanned pregnancy in the United States, relatively little research has focused exclusively on the “twenty--‐somethings.” The goal of this research was to gain greater knowledge about the 20--‐29 year old female population by compiling previous research on this topic. The National Campaign published focus group results that studied unmarried 20--‐29 year old males and females in larger U.S. cities in 2007. This study revealed that this population does not believe getting pregnant is a ‘big deal,’ believes planning for pregnancy is for people who are financially stable, has an ambivalent attitude toward becoming pregnant, and is lacking accurate information about contraception and fertility. The knowledge gained from this research ill aid BridgerCare and Montana Advocates for Sexual Health (an --‐campus group, MASH) to develop educational programs to address misinformation about contraception in Bozeman, Montana and at Montana State University (MSU).