Seventy-eight low-income pregnant women in Roanoke, Virginia were
sampled by means of a questionnaire in an effort to study what factors
influence their family planning practices. The questionnaire measured
the sample's contraceptive awareness, knowledge, and use, and their
attitudes concerning contraception and its use. Other attitudes
studied were related to pregnancy and parenthood.
The questionnaire used was developed by the researcher, and was,
in part, based on materials from the research of Dr. John Kanter of
John Hopkins University.
A factor analysis was performed which delineated factors
influencing the family planning practices of the sample studied. The
results indicated that younger, single, black women in the sample
tended to be less aware of and less likely to use contraception.
They also expressed attitudes concerning single parenthood which
tended to disregard generally held social norms.
A tendency also existed for white, married women, who were school
drop-outs to give the reason that they "didn't mind if they became
pregnant" for their lack of contraceptive use. This appeared to indicate
a lack of motivation for contraceptive usage.
It was concluded that other investigations should be made to
substantiate the results and provide additional information relevant
to the development of services aimed at family planning among low income
families.
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