Unplanned pregnancy among active-duty Army females as a readiness issue
Borsay-Trindle, L.A.; Pass, C.M.; Gilzean, S.M.
Military Medicine 156(2): 82-86
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-4075 PMID: 1900595 Document Number: 314649
This article describes the results of a survey designed identify the reasons behind the high rate of unplanned pregnancies among active-duty female soldiers. While anticipated pregnancies do not pose a problem for the military, unplanned pregnancies disrupt mobilization plans, thereby limiting combat readiness. Furthermore, those females soldiers who complete the pregnancy face the difficulties of raising a child while serving in the military. The army also incurs costs during the pregnancy and recovery period. Lacking any existing literature concerning unplanned pregnancies among active-duty women, researchers conducted a 3-group comparative survey. The survey interviewed a total of 112 women stationed at a southwestern army post. This total was divided into 3 groups: 35 adolescents (17-19 of age), 40 post-adolescents (20-23), and 37 adults (24-37). 61% of all the women were single, while 30% were married. The survey contained questions concerning their birth control practices; their sexual attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors; and their reproductive histories. 1/2 of the soldiers had been pregnancy at least once. 44% of unmarried women participated contraception, compared to 61% of those married. All groups demonstrated inadequate understanding regarding contraception and contraceptives. Only 39% correctly identified the mid-cycle as the most likely time for conception. But compared to the 2 other groups, the adolescent females had a higher risk of having an unplanned pregnancy. They indicated having a greater number of sexual partners, greater frequency of intercourse, less knowledge of the reproductive cycle, and lower rates of birth control practice.