ASSESSING EXPERIENCES OF DISCRIMINATION IN FAMILY PLANNING SETTINGS: AN EXPLORATORY FACTOR ANALYSIS

Abstract

Objectives

Given the importance of high-quality, person-centered care, particularly for communities who have experienced reproductive oppression, this study aimed to test the psychometric properties of a nine-item measure of lifetime experiences of discrimination in family planning settings developed by Bird and Bogart (2001).

Methods

Data came from the nationally representative Person-Centered Contraceptive Access Metrics survey (unweighted n=3,059). We performed an exploratory factor analysis using principal axis extraction and Promax rotation. We assessed reliability using the coefficient omega. To assess known-groups validity, we employed weighted linear regression with survey sampling weights, using race as the predictor and the discrimination scale score as the outcome variable.

Results

The factor analysis resulted in a two-factor solution using 7/9 discrimination items: (1) Interpersonal Discrimination in Family Planning Care, including items reflecting differential treatment and disrespect; and (2) Racial Stereotyping in Family Planning Care, capturing assumptions based on race/ethnicity about welfare status, family size, sexual behavior, and sexually transmitted diseases. The measure demonstrated strong reliability (coefficient omega 0.97) and goodness-of-fit (TLI=0.988, RMSEA=0.066). Known-groups validity testing indicated that people of color experienced higher levels of discrimination in family planning settings compared to White respondents.

Conclusions

The validation of this measure assessing experiences of discrimination in family planning settings provides a tool to support research on the prevalence of racial discrimination and its impact on reproductive autonomy, including preferred method use, and access to care. Understanding these impacts can inform interventions promoting access to high-quality, equitable, and just reproductive healthcare.