Choosing and using contraception: toward a theory of women's contraceptive self-care.

Thirty women of varying ethnicity and socioeconomic status, who were actively seeking to avoid pregnancy, were interviewed concerning their lifetime experience with contraceptive use. The resulting description, Women's Contraceptive Self-Care, was divided into four processes: the central process, Choosing and Using Contraception, and three contextual processes. Forestalling Pregnancy was defined as using contraceptive methods or behaviors to prevent or delay childbearing. Assigning the Burden of Contraceptive Responsibility was defined as assuming responsibility for contraception or shifting that responsibility to a partner. Negotiating with Those who Control Contraception was defined as maneuvering among individuals and agencies that permit or hinder access to contraceptive methods and behaviors. Each process is comprised of thematic clusters and/or themes that are defined and illustrated.