Knowledge and Experiences of Low-Income Patients With Natural Family Planning

Natural family planning and fertility awareness methods can be used for pregnancy prevention and planning. The purpose of this research was to characterize consumer knowledge and opinions regarding use of these methods. Data were gathered from a cross-sectional survey of 465 patients from health centers providing contraceptive services to low-income patients. Less than 40% had accurate knowledge about the fertile time of their cycle; only 20.8% had ever had a health care provider discuss this information with them. Advanced practice registered nurses can use this information in providing services to women of reproductive age.