Factors Associated with Evaluation of Contraception Options among University Undergraduates.

The objective of this study was to examine attributes assigned by university undergraduates to 12 contraception options, determine if dimensions used to evaluate options differed for women and men, and assess whether these dimensions have changed over time. This study was cross-sectional and involved a written survey. The sample (N=792) was drawn from two large universities in the southeastern United States and data collection was completed in classroom settings. Students rated 12 methods on 40 semantic differential scales. Scale scores were summed and a principal components analysis was performed, yielding separate factor structures (evaluative dimensions) for men and women. Three factors emerged for women accounting for 40.85%, 8.00%, and 5.78% of the variance respectively. Three factors also emerged for men accounting for 37.39%, 8.51%, and 7.15% of the variance respectively. Manipulating item loading criteria increased factor interpretability. In contrast to some previous research, the interpretative schemes of men and women for assessing contraception options held more similarities than differences. This apparent confluence in evaluating contraception may facilitate improved negotiation and agreement about the eventual choice of methods. Background “For most students, attending college is an exhilarating and liberating period in life” (Sawatzke, 2010-11). Aside from the pursuit of studies, prospective students’ anticipation of what to expect out of college or university life may include extracurricular activities such as partying, drinking, and engaging in sexual activity (Sawatzke, 2010-11). Such expectations may not deviate far from the truth. One study found that although 49% of the incoming freshman class had never participated in sexual intercourse, that proportion decreased to 28% by the spring semester of that year (Patrick, Maggs, & Abar, 2007). Sexual experience among students increases with time and class standing as 74% of freshmen, 84% of sophomores, 87% of juniors and 90% of seniors report being sexually active (Synovitz, Hebert, Carlson, & Kelley, 2005). Moore and Davidson (2000) indicate that the first sexual intercourse for half of college women is unplanned; moreover, other investigators report that for 27% of college women, that first experience takes place after drinking alcohol (Sprecher, Barbee, & Schwartz, 1995). Persons who participate in high risk sexual practices (e.g., unprotected sex, multiple partners, casual partners) and in coincidental risk behaviors such as alcohol use increase the probability of negative consequences such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancy,(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2005; Henshaw, 1998; Weinstock, Berman, & Cates, 2004) and latent guilt feelings (Wayment & Aronsin, 2002). College women ages 20-24 have one of the highest rates of unintended pregnancy because of lack of contraceptive use and risky sexual practices (Bryant, 2009), yet more than 80% who are sexually active are not trying to get pregnant (Bryant, 2009). Approximately 12% of college students (women and men) report either experiencing or being involved in an unplanned pregnancy (McCarthy, 2002) and 52% report having had an unplanned pregnancy “scare” at least once (Miller, 2011a). For women who enroll in community college programs, about 61% who become pregnant after enrolling fail to complete their degree, a dropout rate 65% higher than for women who do not have children while attending college (U.S. Department of Education, 2002). Consequently, preventing unintended pregnancy and reducing rates of STIs are important health objectives for the nation that may be met by encouraging the use of appropriate, acceptable, and effective contraception methods (HealthyPeople.gov, 2011). However, young adults’ attitudes and beliefs about contraception options derived from presumed attributes may influence acceptance or rejection of a particular method (Sarvela, Huetteman, McDermott, Holcomb, & Odulana, 1992; Tanfer & Rosenbaum, 1996). *Robert J. McDermott, PhD; Research Fellow, Florida Prevention Research Center, Tampa, FL 33612; Phone: (813) 431-2200; Email: rmcdermo@verizon.net; Eta Sigma Gamma Member-atLarge Teri L. Malo, MPH, PhD; Applied Research Scientist, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute; Cancer Prevention & Control Division, Department of Health Outcomes & Behavior, 12902 Magnolia Drive Tampa, FL 33612; Phone: (813) 7458705; Email: teri.malo@moffitt.org; Eta Sigma Gamma Delta Kappa Chapter Virginia J. Dodd, PhD, MPH; Associate Professor, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, 1329 SW 16th Street, Room 5171, PO BOX 103628, Gainesville, FL 32610-3628. Phone: (352) 273-5971; Email: VDodd@dental.ufl.edu; Eta Sigma Gamma Alpha Lambda Chapter Alyssa B. Mayer, MPH; Graduate Research Assistant, Florida Prevention Research Center, Tampa, FL 33612. Phone: (321) 292-9289; Email: amayer@health.usf.edu; Eta Sigma Gamma -