Reducing unintended pregnancy in young, single active duty women in an overseas environment.

Unintended pregnancies in the United States negatively impact families, communities, and society as a whole. In the military, the ramifications can encroach upon mission accomplishment. In operational and overseas environments, the consequences are amplified. U.S. Naval Hospital, Sigonella, Italy became involved in a multidisciplinary effort (Choices) to reduce unplanned pregnancies. A retrospective analysis of 173 unmarried active duty women (< 27 years old) revealed that those who did not attend Choices were three times more likely to have an unplanned pregnancy. A bivariate correlation was used to test the relationship. The correlations between attendance at Choices and unplanned pregnancies was, r = -0.327, p = 0.000. A chi2 test revealed the difference in the frequency of unplanned pregnancies between those who attended Choices and those who did not with chi2 (1) = 17.86, p < 0.001 was systematic and real. This multidisciplinary approach shows promise in reducing unplanned pregnancies, thus ensuring readiness and mission accomplishment.