Abstract:
This study is a secondary data analysis of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2010). Using a selective sample of 2,688 participants, this study examines contraceptive use among U.S. women of reproductive age. The overall aim of this study is to examine the effects of seven demographic variables, and receipt of social and emotional support as a possible mediator variable, on whether women report using contraception. The chi-square analysis results indicate that, of the original demographic variables, employment status and marital status are not significantly related to contraceptive use. The remaining five demographic variables are all significantly related to contraceptive use. These variables include region of residence, age, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and total household income. In addition, contraceptive use is significantly related to receipt of emotional and social support. Mediated logistic regression revealed that social support does, in fact, mediate the effects of age and race/ethnicity on contraceptive use. Findings from this study may be used to develop more comprehensive and appropriate interventions and public policies to affect contraceptive use among women of reproductive age.
