title: Misconceptions about missed conceptions: the meanings of emergency contraceptive pills use among young adult couples.
abstract: Emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) are a safe and efficacious backup method of birth control. Despite widespread availability, ECP is underutilized by young women. While partner level of involvement has been shown to influence contraceptive behavior, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding any possible association between partner influence and ECP use. To better understand the reasons for the seemingly underuse of ECP, a grounded theory study was conducted to elucidate the relationship of couple dynamics and knowledge of, attitudes toward, and decision making regarding the use of ECP in coupled young adults. Consistent with contemporary constructivist grounded theory methods, several categories were identified including the meanings associated with ECP use. This article presents an elaboration of this particular finding. The meanings that participants ascribed to ECP use represented a continuum of value attributes regarding ethics, safety, efficacy, and responsibility.
authors.affiliation: Children's Aid Society, Bronx, NY 10460, USA. rbeaulieu@childrensaidsociety.org
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Beaulieu
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kools
authors.forename: Holly Powell
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Kennedy
authors.forename: Janice
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Humphreys
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009014:Morals
chemical_list: D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital