The role of the social network in contraceptive decision-making among young, African American and Latina women.
OBJECTIVE
Understanding reasons for contraception decisions is critical to improving our ability to reduce rates of unintended pregnancies. We used an in-depth qualitative approach to examine the contraceptive decision-making process, with special attention to the role of the social network, among a group of young, postpartum urban minority women.


METHODS
Brief surveys and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 consenting postpartum women. In-person one-on-one interviews were then reviewed for themes using an iterative process. Qualitative analysis techniques identifying emergent themes were applied to interview data.


RESULTS
In this cohort of African American (63%) and Hispanic (37%) women (median age, 26), 73% had unplanned pregnancies. The social network, including friends, mothers, and partners, were key sources of contraception myths, misconceptions, and vicarious experiences. Women also utilized media, including the internet, as an additional source of information. Information relayed by the social network had a direct influence on contraceptive decisions for many women.


CONCLUSIONS
The experiences and opinions of the social network influence contraceptive decisions in this population of young, minority women. The social network, including friends, family members, and media sources, is a key source of contraceptive information for many women. Comprehensive contraception counseling should explore the experiences and opinions of the patient's social network to the extent possible.
Yee
Lynn
L
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.
Simon
Melissa
M
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D002641:Chicago; D003146:Communications Media; D054626:Consumer Health Information / Q000379:methods; D003267:Contraception / Q000523:psychology*; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D012944:Social Support; D014504:Urban Health; D055815:Young Adult