Comparability of contraceptive prevalence etimates for women from the 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Objective: This article assesses the comparability of contraceptive use estimates for adult women obtained from the 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), using the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) as a benchmark. The 2002 BRFSS uses data collection methods that are considerably different from the NSFG.

Method: We compared demographic differences and national estimates of current contraceptive methods being used and reasons for nonuse.

Health concerns of women and infants in times of natural disasters: lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina.

Pregnant women and infants have unique health concerns in the aftermath of a natural disaster such as Hurricane Katrina. Although exact numbers are lacking, we estimate that approximately 56,000 pregnant women and 75,000 infants were directly affected by the hurricane. Disruptions in the supply of clean water for drinking and bathing, inadequate access to safe food, exposure to environmental toxins, interruption of health care, crowded conditions in shelters, and disruption of public health and clinical care infrastructure posed threats to these vulnerable populations.

The importance of discreet use of the diaphragm to Zimbabwean women and their partners.

We conducted a 6-month acceptability study of diaphragms as a potential HIV/STI prevention method among Zimbabwean women. We examined partner involvement in diaphragm use, and importance of discreet use (use without partner awareness). Of the 181 women who completed the study, 45% said discreet use was "very or extremely important" and in multivariate logistic regression, women were more likely to value discretion if their partners: had other partners; drank alcohol; or were believed to prefer condoms to diaphragms.

A conceptual model of women's condom use intentions: Integrating intrapersonal and relationship factors.

We developed and tested a multifaceted model of condom use intentions with cross-sectional data from 435 heterosexual women at risk for HIV/STIs. In addition to traditional intrapersonal variables drawn from established models of HIV prevention (e.g.

Disparities in contraceptive knowledge, attitude and use between Hispanic and non-Hispanic whites.

Background: Higher rates of unwanted pregnancies and lower rates of contraceptive use have been reported among Hispanic women than among non-Hispanic whites. Despite these differences, it is unclear how these groups differ with respect to various psychosocial factors that are associated with contraceptive decision making, including contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy and social support.

Methods: A total of 443 sexually active, nonpregnant, low-income women (137 non-Hispanic whites, 74 US-born Hispanics and 231 non-US-born Hispanics) were surveyed at two publicly funded clinics.

Paternal influences on the timing of prenatal care among Hispanics.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the independent role of paternal influences on the onset of prenatal care among Hispanic women.

Methods: A total of 300 pregnant Hispanic women seeking prenatal care on or before their 35th week of gestation were surveyed about their and their partner's pregnancy intention. Women in this study were recruited from clinics providing services to low income and medically indigent women.