It isn't all about language: communication barriers for Latinas using contraceptives.
OBJECTIVE
Little is known about barriers that Latinas in the United States face in preventing unintended pregnancies beyond those of language and cost. This study examined factors inhibiting contraceptive use among 18- to 30-year-old Latinas in the Midwest.


METHODS
Individual interviews (N = 31) were conducted in Spanish with Latinas residing across the state. The interview protocol included questions about contraceptives and unintended pregnancies. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, translated, and coded for themes related to barriers.


RESULTS
The majority of the barriers were related to communication but not English proficiency. Respondents talked about specific situations and experiences in which communication presented obstacles to using contraceptives.


CONCLUSIONS
While language and cost are important barriers, attention needs to be paid to the other communication issues that women face related to culture, religion, partners, family, and spontaneity.


CONCLUSIONS
Health care providers need to address the range of communication barriers that affect Latinas' contraceptive use.
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA shelly-campo@uiowa.edu.
Shelly
S
Campo
University of Alabama-Birmingham, AL, USA.
Connie
C
Kohler
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
Natoshia M
NM
Askelson
University of Minnesota-Morris, MN, USA.
Cristina
C
Ortiz
University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, USA.
Mary
M
Losch
D000293:Adolescent; D003144:Communication Barriers; D003270:Contraceptive Agents; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology*; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D011247:Pregnancy; D049168:Pregnancy, Unplanned; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
D003270:Contraceptive Agents
Latinas; communication; community health; contraceptive use; pregnancy prevention; women’s health