Reproductive Goals and Academic Goals: Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Women in Community College

Abstract

The three main intentions of this mixed methods study were to examine the reproductive goals of women (ages 18-29) enrolled in community college, to investigate what relationship, if any, exists between reproductive goals and academic goals among women (18-29 years of age) enrolled in community college, and to explore the attitudes and perceptions about pregnancy as they relate to reproductive goals, academic goals, and reproductive goals counseling. One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted along with a survey administered on-line to collect data. This study produced many noteworthy results. First, a strategy for conducting reproductive goals counseling was found to be feasible and acceptable to the target population. Second, the investigation into how women in community college view their own reproductive goals and how these relate to academic goals and in context with attitudes and perceptions about pregnancy found that the women in this study largely report wanting to have children or more children at some point (parenting/pregnancy attitude). The question of timing was varied and multi-faceted with many women reporting desiring pregnancy/parenting at some point in the future and not in the immediate future. Very often women cited wanting to finish school or career preparation before having children or more children. Most women also reported that preventing pregnancy (until their desired timeline) was very important. In the qualitative portion of the study women expressed concern or worry about how a pregnancy might impact their academic goals and saw pregnancy as potential hindrance to reaching their academic goals. Women in the study did report using contraception (primarily tier two and three methods) with fewer women stating the use of LARC or tier one methods. Community colleges may want to consider reproductive goals along with academic goals when thinking about the resources and environments that are needed to ensure academic success. Institutions of higher education are potential resources for informing and supporting students on these issues. Advocating for students to identify their reproductive goals and academic goals and creating environments that assist students in creating plans to achieve both may be beneficial in holistically meeting student needs.