Assessing the influences on rural women's reproductive life plans: A cross-sectional descriptive study

Abstract

<p>Rural women&rsquo;s unique personal, social, cultural, and economic characteristics influence their health care decision-making processes. To assess the influences on rural women and their Reproductive Life Plans, a cross-sectional descriptive study, based on the Health Promotion Model (HPM), was used. Thirty rural women, age 18-35 years, living in two Northern California counties, completed an anonymous on-line survey, while in a local beauty salon. The<br />survey included basic demographic information along with questions regarding reproductive plans, contraceptive use, and the usefulness of the survey. The sample consisted of predominantly single, white, educated, religious young adult women who were long-term rural residents, with health insurance and regular healthcare providers. The majority of the sample indicated a desire for children in the future. The study results support the use of reproductive life planning among rural women, consistent with the Health Promotion Model. The results also indicate a need for further research related to the observed discontinuity of sexually active women who report they do not want to get pregnant, yet are not using contraception. Research is indicated evaluating the effectiveness of reproductive life planning in reducing unplanned pregnancies. Studies evaluating the influence of religious/spiritual beliefs, as well as income level, on reproductive life planning is also indicated. Nurse researchers and clinicians should serve as leaders in promoting reproductive life planning, consistent with nursing&rsquo;s focus on person/family-centered health promotion. Policy implications include instituting culturally tailored reproductive life planning as a reimbursed component of care and routinely provided by nurses and other health care providers.</p>