Publications

Cryptococcus albidus, a rare opportunist, was isolated from biopsy specimens from three patients over 4 days. An investigation showed that the specimens had been contaminated by placement in RPMI medium. The importance of rapid communication between the microbiology laboratory, the infectious diseases/infection control division, and other involved parties in the event of unusual occurrences is highlighted.

BACKGROUND

Ambivalence towards pregnancy is rarely acknowledged in policy discussions.

METHODS

We surveyed 441 nonpregnant women who consecutively presented to two urgent care clinics in California about their current intentions to conceive using a five-point scale. We examined the association between ambivalence towards pregnancy, sociodemographic characteristics and use of contraception.

RESULTS

Almost one third of women (29.0%; 95% CI=25-33%) expressed ambivalence about their intentions to become pregnant. In multivariable modeling, being older than 30, being nonwhite and having a personal or religious objection to abortion were significantly associated with ambivalence towards pregnancy. Compared with women who stated they were trying to avoid pregnancy, women who expressed ambivalence were significantly less likely to have used a barrier or hormonal form of contraception at last intercourse (OR=0.36, 95% CI=0.23-0.57) and more likely to use the natural family planning (NFP) method (OR=3.31, 95% CI=1.39-7.90) or withdrawal (OR=1.61, 95% CI=0.98-2.65).

CONCLUSION

Ambivalence towards pregnancy is common and is associated with use of less effective contraceptive methods.