Learning Objective #1: Identify factors most likely to predict behavior change in the use of contraceptive among active duty women.

Learning Objective #2: Verbalize the effects of the reproductive health educational program on knowledge, attitudes, decisional balance, self-efficacy, stages of change, and contraceptive use.

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The purpose of this study was to implement and evaluate the effects of a reproductive health educational program on knowledge, attitudes, decisional balance (pros and cons), self-efficacy, stages of change, and contraceptive use, and to identify independent variables most likely to predict behavior change in the use of contraceptives among single, active duty women during the 4-month study period. The theoretical framework for this quasi-experimental longitudinal study was based on the Contraceptive Behavior Change Model. Instruments consisted of pre-/post-test for reproductive health knowledge, and contraceptive behavior questionnaires for reproductive history, attitudes, stages of change, decisional balance, and self-efficacy. Data were collected on three separate occasions at 2 months interval over a 4-month period. The intervention for the experimental group consisted of two class sessions, 2 months apart, while the control group received no intervention. Descriptives, t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression were used to analyze data from the sample of 198 Navy enlisted females recruited from the USS ships in San Diego, CA. The program was effective in increasing knowledge, and in knowledge retention. A positive change in attitude, decisional balance, and self-efficacy over time were seen in the experimental group, making subjects more accepting about contraception. Study variables of attitude, cons, and stages of change correlated positively with contraceptive use (p<.05), while decisional balance and self-efficacy correlated with attitude, and stages of change with knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy. Stages of change explained 93% (experimental group) and 73% (control group) of the variance in contraceptive use at the end of the program. There was a decrease in sexual activity and greater use of contraceptive methods over time among sexually active individuals in the experimental group, leading to decreased unintended pregnancies. Effective interventions to reduce unintended pregnancy are essential, and future research is needed to examine issues surrounding contraceptive non-use.