Explaining Disparities in Health-Seeking Behaviors for Secondary Infertility

Nicole Weller, Arizona State University

This study uses discrete-time event history models to compare the effects of parity status on health-seeking behaviors for help to get pregnant or prevent a miscarriage. Using retrospective data from the National Survey of Family Growth 2006-2010 continuous data file, the effects of select health disparities associated with socioeconomic status and biological health outcomes are tested in combination with parity status on the likelihood of seeking help with infertility complications. Specific focus is on the parity status of the female respondent, tested as parous or nulliparous, during the observed period of analysis. The main contribution of this research is the comparative analysis of parity status on health-seeking behaviors which furthers our understanding about the factors that dissuade women and couples from seeking help with infertility. Observed outcome differences based on parity status suggests further consideration into what influences health-seeking behaviors.