The Prediction of Accurate Contraceptive Use From Attitudes and Knowledge

A framework of the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and behavior was described in the context of couple’s use of birth control. It was hypothesized that when knowledge of behavioral enactment is present, attitudes and beliefs about susceptibility to pregnancy will be predictive of accurate use of the diaphragm. Respondents were 111 women who participated in a three-wave panel design focusing on diaphragm use. Analyses indicated that the level of knowledge about what a woman should do to use the diaphragm correctly was high. Correct knowledge, however, did not translate into accurate behavior. Motivational factors focusing on attitudes, perceived susceptibility to pregnancy, and normative factors were also relevant. Although contraceptive use is widespread in the United States, recent estimates suggest that the number of unintended pregnancies is substantial. The factors underlying the occurrence of unintended pregnancies are complex, but effective use of contraception is an important factor in preventing unintended pregnancies. Contraceptive behavior can be conceptualized in terms of four major facets. First, the individual must decide whether to use contraception in general and, if so, she or he must decide what method to use. This is referred to as contraceptive choice. A second aspect of contraceptive behavior is the consistency of contraceptive use. Many individuals rely on coital dependent methods, and as a result, they may not use birth control each time they engage in sexual intercourse. Consistency refers to theproportion of times that an individual uses contraception relative to the total number of times he or she engages in sexual intercourse over a specified time period. A third aspect of contraceptive behavior is the accuracy with which birth control methods are used. An individual may use a given method every time he or she engages in sexual intercourse, but may not use the method correctly. A fourth aspect of contracep-tive behavior focuses on continuity. At any given point in time, individuals will have a most preferred method of contraception, which they will identify as their &dquo;maj or&dquo; method