| Currently, there are an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 refugee Haitians living in the greater Miami area, 62% of whom are believed to be young women of childbearing age (ages 15-44). This study examines and describes the major factors influencing the acceptance and use of existing family planning services by this community of women.; Data collection for the study took approximately three months and was conducted primarily in the "Little Haiti" section of Miami--an ethnic enclave and home to the largest segment of the Haitian population. Participant observation, interviews (structured and semi-structured) and key informants were the primary means of data collection. A convenience sample of 40 refugee women between the ages of 15 and 44 was interviewed once, and all seemingly recurrent themes and emerging concepts were validated with the informants, Haitian health providers and women in the community.; Study findings indicate both limited and inconsistent use of family planning services by this population. Forty-three percent of the sexually active women interviewed reported non-use of contraceptives, and of the 57% reporting contraceptive use, 20% admitted to inconsistent use and resulting "accidents"/pregnancies. The four major reasons determined for these findings relate to the group's (a) cultural views on fertility and childbearing, especially the group's fatalistic perception and value of children as "gifts from God"; (b) negative views and attitude toward modem contraceptive use; (c) lack of contraceptive knowledge; and (d) perceived barriers to accessing community services. |
