An Examination of the Factors Influencing Contraceptive Behavior in African American College Students

Abstract

Introduction: African American women experience higher rates of unintended pregnancies compared to their white counterpart. Recently similar trends were discovered among African American college students. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that influence contraceptive behavior in African American college students. Methods: Qualitative data was collected from one Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) and six Semi Structured Interviews (SSIs) consisting of African American college students attending The George Washington University or The University of Maryland, College Park. The sample group consisted of 9 females and one male. Data was analyzed via thematic analysis and various analytic matrices. Findings: Participants held knowledge of contraception and had various modes of receiving sexual health information. Condoms and withdrawal were the most popular form of contraception use, followed by birth control and emergency contraception. Concerns about side effects, convenience, and experiences from peers or family members created hesitation to utilize hormonal contraception. Peers and partners were highly influential on one contraceptive behavior, followed my family and media. Conclusion: Socio-cultural factors such as peer, partner, family and media are more influential than other factors (i.e. socioeconomic status, structural factors or knowledge base).