DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/B85B-Z479
Defense Date
2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Health Psychology
First Advisor
Eric Benotsch
Second Advisor
Faye Belgrave
Third Advisor
Lindsay Sabik
Abstract
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) expanded access to insurance coverage and health care services for many citizens, and has increased access for women in particular by including preventive reproductive health services as essential health benefits. The current national rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), reproductive cancer diagnoses, and unintended pregnancy serve as major areas of concern for women’s health and public health. The present study examined how knowledge of the PPACA influences receipt of preventive reproductive health services among women. Results indicate that higher levels of knowledge of the PPACA are associated with a greater likelihood of receiving cancer and STI screenings, as well as contraceptive counseling, and that increasing contraceptive knowledge, rates of contraceptive counseling, and pap screenings are related to greater use of highly effective contraception. The present study offers support for increased outreach and education efforts, along with additional policy and provider involvement.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-5-2016