Assessing the Stages of Change and Decision-Making for Contraceptive Use for the Prevention of Pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

A synergistic approach was taken to examine contraceptive use adoption for two related behaviors: pregnancy prevention and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). One hundred twenty-three young adults responded to questionnaire items based on two constructs from the Trans-theoretical Model of Change, the Stages of Change and Decisional Balance, as well as other pertinent variables. In Phase 1, two Decisional Balance measures were developed: One for the prevention of pregnancy and one for disease prevention. Final versions of both measures consisted of two 10-item scales: one representing the positive aspects (PROS) and one representing the negative aspects (CONS) of contraceptive and condom use. In Phase 2, the same individuals were staged for both pregnancy and disease prevention according to their readiness to change for contraceptive and condom use. MANOVAs and ANOVAs indicated that the PROS and CONS for both measures were related to stage of change for both contraceptive and condom use. Results from this pilot study were consistent with prior applications of the Trans-theoretical Model to the cessation of such problem behaviors as smoking and to the adoption of positive health behaviors such as exercise acquisition.