Contraceptive awareness in Manisa region

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the awareness on contraception in Manisa Region. STUDY DESIGN: Between January and March 2003, a survey was performed on 303 women in outpatient gynecology clinic, Celal Bayar University Hospital. Questionnaire was consisted of 17 questions including educational status, smoking, and the choice of contraceptive methods, from where they learnt the contraceptive methods, if so, what is the main objection against oral contraceptive pills, and what types of modern contraceptive methods they know. RESULTS: Of 303 women, 130 (42.9%) are graduated from primary school, 92 (30%) from high school, and 81 (26.7%) from university. Of all surveyed, 112 (37%) have got the contraception information from health providers, 68 (22.4%) from books, and 123 (40.6%) from their partners and friends. Smoking rate was as high as 50.2%. The commonly preferred contraceptive methods were IUD (intrauterine device), condom and oral contraceptive pills, respectively 25.4%, 12.5% and 9.2%. IUD (intrauterine device) was chosen as the most reliable contraceptive method (38.3%), whereas oral contraceptive pills were believed as the most harmful contraceptive method. Weight gain and irritability were sited as the most important side effects of oral contraceptive pills. CONCLUSIONS: According to these results, people still need to be informed on contraception as health care providers, we should more and correct information to the couples.