An Interview Study of UMBC Women: An Analysis of the Lived-Experiences of College-Age Women Accessing Proper Contraception

Abstract

The objective of this project is to analyze if there is an existing correlation between stratified reproduction and the reproductive rights and decisions of college-aged women. The experiences of Hispanic/Latinx women are further analyzed through a case-study of 4 Hispanic/Latinx women. This project presents an opportunity to understand the lived experiences of UMBC women, and provides important insight into the experiences of Hispanic/Latinx women, a particularly understudied group in this subject. UMBC college aged women (N=48) described their experiencesaccessing contraception and information on contraceptives throughan 18-item survey. Four Hispanic/Latinx women who completed the survey were invited for a face-to-face follow-up interview. They were asked specific questions in regards to the dynamic between their culture and contraception, their contraceptive method of choice, and their ability to access that form of contraception.The results of the survey showed evidence of stratified accessibility to accurate information on contraceptives. College-aged women on UMBC’s campus feel a lack of access to proper information on contraception which can lead to a lack of access to different methods of contraception. The results of the interviews showed that there is a correlation between Latin American culture and college-aged women’s relationship with contraception, as well as the role that a consistent sexual partner played in the women’s decisions.