Family planning experiences of Vietnamese women.

The increasing Vietnamese population in the United States and the high fertility rate seen in this group warrant studies about Vietnamese cultural beliefs. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine sociocultural factors that influence family planning practices of Vietnamese refugee women. Findings reveal that the stresses associated with starting over in a new land, such as concern about finances and learning English, influenced younger Vietnamese women in this study to use family planning methods that would limit the number of future pregnancies. The meaning of children and the importance of their educational future were also influential in determining the number of children desired and family planning practices. Cultural and religious beliefs also directed the women's choice of method. Results from this study can be used to educate health care professionals, increase appropriate educational material for Vietnamese women, and assist in the development of appropriate family planning programs.