J Korean Acad Womens Health Nurs.  2001 Jun;7(2):141-156.

A Structural Equation Model Explaining Contraception Behaviors of Married Korean Women

• Kim M

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop and test the structural model of a contraceptive behavior in Married Korean women. A hypothesis model was constructed on the basis of the health belief model, the theory of planned behavior and extensive literature review of contraception. The model was built by seven constructs. Four exogeneous variables included in the model were consisted of the contraceptive knowledges, the perceived threats, the sexual autonomy and the communication within a couple. Four endogenous variables were consisted of the attitudes toward contraception, the perceived control, the ability to plan a intercourse and the contraceptive behaviors. Empirical data for testing the hypothetical model were collected by the self report questionnaires from 243 Korean married women. The questionnaires used in this study were developed by this researcher and their Cronbach's alpha scores were ranged from .60 to .88. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS program(ver. 8.0) for descriptive statistical analysis and LISREL program(ver. 8.12a) for covariance structural analysis. On the basis of this results, it could be suggested that contraceptive behaviors be greatly affected by the perceived threats, the communications within couple, the attitudes toward contraception and the perceived control. Finally this model would be useful for the practice, theory and research of nursing.

MeSH Terms

Contraception Behavior*
Contraception*
Female
Humans
Models, Structural
Nursing
Questionnaires
Self Report