Relationship between contraceptive method choice and beliefs about HIV and pregnancy prevention.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between contraceptive method choice and perceptions of HIV and pregnancy risk among women at risk of HIV infection and transmission.


METHODS
Women who were infected with HIV or who were at high risk of infection were administered a questionnaire assessing sexual and drug-related HIV risk behaviors and beliefs, STD and pregnancy history, and intentions, beliefs and behaviors regarding pregnancy, childbearing and contraception.


RESULTS
Among women who reported using a contraceptive method every time they had intercourse, 43% used condoms only, 22% used birth control pills only, and 11% used both. Only 58% of consistent condom users believed they were very unlikely to become infected with HIV in the next year. Controlling for risk factor differences, pill-only users were less likely to believe themselves at risk of HIV infection, and more confident in their ability to prevent HIV infection, compared with condom-only users.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that women's beliefs about the effectiveness of a method for pregnancy prevention may generalize to beliefs about the efficacy of the method for disease prevention.
Galavotti
C
C
Women's Health and Fertility Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333.
Schnell
D J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral