Recipients of PSC Small Grant Awards
Young Women’s Mental Health, Psychosocial Circumstances, and Unintended Pregnancy Experiences
Kelli Stidham Hall, Jennifer S. Barber, Yasamin Kusunoki, Heather Gatny
Mental health conditions including depression, psychological stress, and substance abuse are common among reproductive-aged women and have significant negative implications for health and well-being. Less is known about how young women’s mental health interacts with dynamic psychological and social factors to influence their family planning behaviors and outcomes over time and at the population level. Using unique longitudinal data, we examine the impact of dynamic mental health symptoms and psychosocial circumstances on contraceptive behaviors, unintended pregnancy experiences, and reproductive health care encounters among a population-based cohort of women ages 18-21.
Funding Source: PSC Pilot Funds
Funding Period: 10/1/2012 to 9/30/2013
International Focus: United States of America