Past Sponsored Research Projects

Determinants of Unintended Pregnancy in New Orleans, Louisiana

Dates:  1999-2002
Funding Source: CDC Division of Reproductive Health Research/Programs
Tulane's Role: Prime contractor
Principal Investigators: Ilene S. Speizer, PhD and Carl Kendall, PhD

Objectives: This study uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to explore women's concepts of pregnancy intentions and to determine how to provide family planning services to largely uninsured African American women in New Orleans, a high-risk population for unintended pregnancies.  In-depth interviews will explore whether the concept of pregnancy planning has meaning in this community and some of the principal barriers to meeting stated fertility intentions.   Quantitative data will be obtained from computer-assisted interviews conducted in a prenatal clinic, an abortion clinic, and a family planning clinic to examine the determinants of: 1) unintended pregnancy; 2) choosing to carry to term versus to abort an unintended pregnancy; and 3) consistent and effective contraceptive use among those at risk of an unintended pregnancy.

Potential Impact: By the end of the study period (two years) we anticipate being able to make recommendations as to how to more effectively provide family planning services to women at risk of an unintended pregnancy.