Challenges of Contraceptive Use and Pregnancy Prevention Among Women in the U.S. Navy

Abstract

In this article we present the results of a study to illuminate the explanatory factors related to unplanned pregnancies in the United States Navy, particularly with regard to female contraceptive training and practices, and occupational culture. The data set consists of 52 semistructured interviews with key informants, sailors, and enlisted personnel who were recruited via a quota sample stratified by gender, occupation, and location. The research team carried out semistructured interviews at seven different naval facilities in the mainland United States, the South Pacific, and Europe. Textual analysis of the interview data revealed four domains pertinent to unplanned pregnancies: (a) ineffective training for women regarding contraceptive options, proper dosing, and potentially negative side effects; (b) discrepancies between contraceptive knowledge and their proper use; (c) different foci of contraceptive training for men (sexually transmitted infection prevention) and women (pregnancy prevention); and (d) cultural norms that equate contraceptive use with promiscuity.

Sexual Behaviors and Sexually Transmitted Infections in a Nationally Representative Sample of Women Veterans and Nonveterans

“…Multivariate analyses for past year sexual behaviors also adjusted for binge drinking in the last year because this variable has also been associated with sexual behavior. 11,35 All analyses were weighted to account for the survey design, and statistical tests were at a twosided alpha level of 0.05. Analyses were completed using SAS software and STATA 12.…”

High-Risk Behavior and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among U.S. Active Duty Servicewomen and Veterans

“…These women reported feeling stigmatized as promiscuous if they requested condoms and believed their male counterparts to be exempt from the same criticism. 24 They also reported not using condoms because if found this would be evidence of violation of the policy prohibiting sexual activity while deployed. 24 Multiple sexual partners.…”

“…24 They also reported not using condoms because if found this would be evidence of violation of the policy prohibiting sexual activity while deployed. 24 Multiple sexual partners. Although there are limited data on high-risk sexual practices among military women, some studies have reported a high prevalence of new or concurrent sexual partners.…”

“…18 A study of 1,841 female Marine Corps recruits revealed that 31% reported having sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the 3 months before recruit training. 29 In a qualitative study of Navy personnel, female respondents stated that servicewomen participated in binge drinking to fit in with a predominantly male crew; however, this left women vulnerable to nonconsensual or compromising sexual encounters 24 (Table 1C). When women veterans were asked about their previous sexual behaviors, 24% stated they had unintended sex after drinking alcohol or using drugs before joining the military, and 33% reported this occurrence during military service.…”

Sexuality among wounded veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND): Implications for rehabilitation psychologists.

“…Among deployed soldiers, sexual contact within the unit is strongly discouraged, if not prohibited (Brown, 2008;Duke & Ames, 2008). This prohibition of sexual activity while deployed may inadvertently discourage soldiers from using condoms, as they are not easily disposed of in an environment where used condoms or wrappers may become evidence (Duke & Ames, 2008). Gendered double standards also affect condom use; rnale contraceptive use may be seen as indicative of sexual prowess, whereas female use of protective measures may be seen as an indication of promiscuity (Duke & Ames, 2008).…”