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Views of Leaders in three Washington Communities

Executive Summary

This study is a qualitative exploration of the perceptions and attitudes about unintended pregnancy and family planning held by local leaders in three Washington State communities. 

Data were gathered through semi-structured (qualitative) interviews with leaders from nine spheres of influence: business, education, government, public service, health care, community-based service organizations, media, religion, and philanthropy. Results are presented as community case studies with some cross-site comparisons in the conclusions. Findings suggest important directions for community and state efforts to reduce unintended pregnancy and future qualitative and quantitative research.

Major Findings
Leaders from Yakima, Spokane and Centralia-Chehalis expressed perceptions and attitudes unique to their spheres of influence and locales while also sharing many perceptions about unintended pregnancy and family planning. Most leaders from all three communities:

• identiFiscal Year teen pregnancy as their top family planning concern;

• do not see unintended pregnancy as a major concern;

• see a need to "face the reality" of teen sexual activity;

• want greater school involvement in sexuality education;.

• are greatly concerned by a perceived lack of male responsibility;

• see a need to involve all community sectors in prevention efforts; and

• express strong support for community-based programs and solutions.

Additionally, leaders from Spokane and Yakima share the views that:

• many teen pregnancies are intended;

• teen and unintended pregnancies are linked to larger social issues; and

• life skills and parenting education are essential elements for change.

Conclusions:
Report findings suggest the family planning climate in the communities studied is primed for collaborative community-based efforts aimed at reducing teen pregnancy and the incidence of unintended pregnancy. Most leaders interviewed are concerned about the interrelatedness of social problems, particularly teen pregnancy and the health of families and children. Leaders in Yakima and Spokane are actively thinking about family planning issues and are ready to move forward with increased pregnancy prevention efforts. Leaders in Centralia-Chehalis are thinking about family planning issues to a lesser degree, but are deeply concerned about teen pregnancy.

Leaders in all three communities urge new directions in public education, strongly suggesting inclusion of curricula emphasizing critical thinking, choices and consequences, personal and social responsibility, financial decision-making, verbal and written communication, parenting, and sexual decision-making. Many leaders also stress a need to establish community-based parenting classes to help parents communicate with their children about personal boundaries and sexual decision-making.

The distinct characteristics of individual communities make the expertise of local leaders invaluable in prevention efforts. Each sector contributes to and benefits from the overall health of the community. This interdependence makes inter-sector communication and collaboration vital. Local efforts can also be greatly assisted by the expertise and experience of government agencies. Channels of communication must be opened between leaders throughout the state, including those in state government, to reduce duplication of efforts and help forge collaborative, community-specific unintended pregnancy prevention programs.

Modified: Thursday November 17 2005

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