Knowledge of non-contraceptive benefits of and willingness to consider taking oral contraceptive pills among a low-risk female population: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In addition to its widely-appreciated contraceptive applications, the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) conveys both oncological and non-oncological benefits. Oncological benefits include a decreased risk of endometrial, ovarian, and colorectal cancer. Non-oncological benefits include reducing androgenic effects and alleviating menstruation-related problems. This study aimed to ascertain knowledge levels of non-contraceptive benefits and risks of OCP use among participants without contraindications to OCPs. This study also assessed factors associated with participants being more likely to consider taking OCPs. METHODS: 263 women aged 21 to 40 years old with no contraindications for OCP usage participated in this study. An anonymous questionnaire collected sociodemographic information and assessed participants' knowledge of the non-contraceptive benefits and risks associated with OCP use. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess factors associated with knowledge levels. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with being more likely to consider taking OCPs among women who did not presently take them. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression revealed that participants who were more knowledgeable overall about the non-contraceptive benefits of OCPs were more likely to consider taking OCPs (coefficient = 0.184, p-value = 0.00). Knowledge of both oncological and non-oncological benefits of OCP use was relatively poor, especially among older women. Current OCP users were found to be more knowledgeable about their benefits. CONCLUSIONS: As women with greater knowledge of non-contraceptive benefits of OCPs are more likely to consider taking them, knowledge gaps regarding OCPs should be filled, so that more women may reap the non-contraceptive benefits of OCPs.

A sample of women with a low risk profile for oral contraceptive pills in Singapore demonstrated poor overall knowledge of their non-contraceptive benefits. Greater knowledge of the non-contraceptive benefits of oral contraceptive pills was associated with a greater willingness to consider taking oral contraceptive pills.

Contraceptive Decision-Making Among Young College Men and Women in Ethiopia: Results of the Qualitative Study.

There is a scarcity of research on contraceptive decision-making and use among Ethiopian students in higher education institutions. As young college students are more exposed to sexual encounters and premarital sex, it is imperative to look at their contraception decision-making and use. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of young college men and women in sexual relationships regarding the decision-making for contraceptive use at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. A Phenomenological qualitative study design was employed for this study. The participants were recruited using purposeful sampling. Twenty eligible study participants [10 female and 10 men] were interviewed face-to-face. To be selected for the study, participants had to be in a relationship for at least 6 months after joining the university, attending a regular program, and were able to offer detailed information about their sexual encounters and contraceptive decision-making and use. Data were analyzed at the same time as data were collected from February 2 through March 15, 2022. Thematic analysis was done for the study, which comprises 3 stages: data reduction, data display, and data conclusion. Both a priori codes (from the query guide) and emerging inductive codes were used in the study. The data analysis from the in-depth interviews revealed 3 overarching themes consistent with the study's aims, including: types of relationships, level of communication, contraceptive decision-making with a partner, and contraception use. In this study's analysis, the first emerged theme was the types of relationships, which may be divided into 2 categories: dating/causal and intimate partnerships. Participants described their relationship with their partner as intimate and exciting. According to our data, men and women in intimate relationships reported emotional closeness and connectedness. Mostly they make an open discussion about different things including contraception use and made decisions together, they spent a good time together and have mutual trust. They also mentioned that mostly their discussion involves issues about having a happy future life together. On the contrary, however, participants in the causal relationship claimed that while they now spend time together and enjoy themselves, they lack open communication and trust in their relationship. There is less commitment and accountability, and the majority of them do not have a relationship goal, according to their reports. The second theme that emerged during the analysis of the in-depth interview was the level of communication and decision-making with the partner regarding contraception. Within the theme, there is 2 categories communication with partner and decision-making about contraception use. The study participants felt comfortable discussing their sexuality and contraception use in the current study. Most discussions were believed to be initiated by the male partner, and the majority of the decisions were made jointly, according to our findings. The degree of intimacy with their partner in a relationship, their partner's desire, and contraceptive-related concerns are all factors that impact contraception use decision-making, according to the study's findings. The majority of male and female interview participants stated that the length of a relationship was an important consideration when deciding whether or not to use contraception. Participants in stable long-term relationships were more likely to choose protection than those in short-term relationships. The usage of contraception, which encompasses 5 linked categories, emerged as the third theme from the in-depth interview analysis: types of contraception used, concerns and doubts about adverse effects of contraception use, reasons for contraception use, trust between partners determines contraception use, barriers to contraception use. The findings of this study demonstrated that communication and using contraception is a common practice and is accepted as a positive thing on campus, mostly to prevent unexpected pregnancy. The major obstacles to using contraception are believed to be a lack of available contraceptives on campus and cost-related concerns. Most male partner access and bring contraceptives from private drug stores for their girlfriends. The university administration and other interested stakeholders need to pay close attention to efforts to increase the use of contraceptives among high-risk young university women while helping guide actions to involve young men in making contraceptive decisions on campus.

Assessing the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections Among College Students in a Rural Midwest Setting.

The objective of this research was to assess that knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding sexual heath among rural college students in Nebraska. We administered an electronic survey (n = 125) that was adapted from the YRBSS and National College Health Assessment to compare results to national estimates. Results show condom use was below the national average (38.4% vs. 54.1%) during last time of having sexual intercourse. Only half (51%) of rural college students had received the HPV vaccine, and significantly less among males (18%) compared to females (60%). 37% of participants strongly agreed/agreed they felt their parents would find out if they had an STI screening, and even more felt their social group would find out (42%). Nearly all (92%) of the participants strongly agreed/agreed that they would tell their partner if they noticed that they had symptoms of an STI; although, over half (60%) of the participants strongly agreed/agreed that they thought they could tell if there was a change in their body indicating after contracting a STI, 33% did not know that STIs can have no symptoms, and over half (52%) almost never/never get STI screening when they had new partners. There was a significant positive association between with highest level of sexual health education and composite knowledge scores. The results show that sexual health among rural college students is an important, but understudied, health disparity. Online and college-oriented interventions could be used to help bridge the gap of sexual health education in states that do not mandate sexual health education, like Nebraska.

Evaluation of the frequency of coitus interruptus and the effect of contraception counselling on this frequency.

In this prospective study, the aim was to determine the frequency and effectiveness of the coitus interruptus method, to compare the demographic characteristics of women using modern contraception methods and those using the coitus interruptus method and to demonstrate how effective contraceptive counselling is in choosing a contraception method. The researchers collected data from 1000 sexually active women in their reproductive period at the gynaecological clinic of a university hospital in Turkey. The researchers used an introductory information contraceptive counselling form, which they prepared for the data collection tool. The rate of the coitus interruptus method use among the interviewed women was 42.8%. There was a statistically significant difference between the coitus interruptus group and the group using modern contraceptive methods regarding mean age, educational status, smoking, awareness of last menstrual period, number of pads used during the menstrual period, and information sources. Following effective contraception counselling, the rate of switching to a modern and proven contraceptive method was found to be 73.8%.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Although the traditional method of coitus interruptus has been used for many years, its incidence is not clearly known. What we know about the subject is based on ancient research. All the studies on the subject are very old and need to be updated.What do the results of this study add? With the help of the data obtained from this study, it is understood that withdrawal method is still widely used today, it is still not known that it is not a modern contraceptive method and the rate of transition to modern methods with effective contraception counselling is very high.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? In the outpatient clinic conditions, even a very short period of time for contraception counselling will be very beneficial for women and will contribute to family planning and prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Gynecological Care and Contraception Considerations in Women with Cerebral Palsy.

The purpose of this literature review was to further explore gynecological care and contraceptive use in women with cerebral palsy. We address barriers to pelvic examinations for cervical cancer screenings and current contraceptive methods in severely debilitated patients with cerebral palsy.

Contraception Counseling and Use Among Adolescent and Young Adult Female Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment: A Retrospective Analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) women undergoing cancer treatment face unique reproductive health risks. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of sexual health counseling and contraception use in the oncology setting, and to identify patient factors associated with these outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Yale New Haven Hospital from 2013 to 2018. PARTICIPANTS: Female patients 15-25 years of age receiving cancer treatment, excluding those treated with surgery only. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes of documented sexual health counseling and contraception use were assessed for frequency. Associations between patient factors and these outcomes were assessed using Pearson χ2 and Fisher exact tests, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of these outcomes. RESULTS: In this cohort (n = 157), the median age was 20.5 years, and the most common diagnoses were hematologic (40.8%) and thyroid (31.2%) malignancies. Of the patients, 33.1% were documented as receiving sexual health counseling, and 48.4% used contraception. Younger patients (15-20 years of age) were less likely to receive counseling (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.14-0.70, P = .005). Receiving counseling (OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.35-8.34, P = .009) and sexual activity (OR 4.18, 95% CI 1.80-9.68, P = .001) were significantly associated with contraception use. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual health counseling was documented infrequently during oncologic care for AYA women, especially for younger patients. However, such conversations were associated with a higher likelihood of contraception use. There is a need to improve rates of counseling in this high-risk setting, in which adolescents may be more vulnerable with regard to sexual health.

Sexual activity and contraceptive use during social distancing and self-isolation in the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to investigate the effects of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of hormonal contraceptives, their discontinuation and the risk of unplanned pregnancy. METHODS: The study enrolled 317 women listed in the database of the Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Italy, family planning clinic who were known to be using hormonal contraceptives. The women were contacted by telephone and asked whether they would like to participate in the study. If they agreed, they were then emailed a questionnaire about their social behaviour and sexual activity during the pandemic, according to their cohabiting status, i.e., whether they were continuing to use their hormonal contraception and whether they had had an unplanned pregnancy. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 175 (81.8%) women who were using short-acting reversible contraception (SARC) and by 90 (87.4%) women who were using long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). All married and cohabiting women were continuing to use their contraceptive method. None had had an unplanned pregnancy. On the other hand, 51 (50.5%) non-cohabiting or single women had discontinued their SARC method while social distancing, for non-method-related reasons; however, 47 (46.5%) non-cohabiting or single women had continued their sexual activity, infringing social distancing rules, and 14.9% had had an unplanned pregnancy, for which they had sought a termination. CONCLUSION: Several non-cohabiting women using SARC had discontinued their contraceptive method during the pandemic but had continued to engage in sexual activity and had had an unplanned pregnancy. Clinicians should counsel women about what they should do in regard to contraception in the event of new, future social distancing measures.

Factores socioeducativos asociados al no uso de métodos anticonceptivos en universitarias de cuatro países de Latinoamérica / Socio-educational factors associated with the non-use of contraceptive methods in university students from four Latin American countries

INTRODUCCIÓN: El cuidado anticonceptivo es importante una vez que se inicia la vida sexual, pero esto no ha sido medido en distintas realidades de Latinoamérica. OBJETIVO: Determinar los factores socio-educativos asociados al no uso de métodos anticonceptivos en universitarias de cuatro países de Latinoamérica. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio transversal analítico, se encuestó a estudiantes mujeres que ya habían iniciado su vida sexual, se le preguntó por el uso de condón (preservativo), método del ritmo, anticoncepción oral y anticoncepción oral de emergencia. Estas fueron descritas y asociadas a variables socio-educativas. RESULTADOS: El 7% (47) no usaba ninguno de los 4 métodos anticonceptivos; al realizar el análisis multivariado, no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas según el país, el año de estudios o si eran católicas/cristianas (todos los valores p>0,05), en cambio, las de universidades particulares tuvieron un mayor porcentaje de ausencia de uso de los 4 métodos anticonceptivos (RPa: 2,52; IC95%: 1,24-5,14; valor p=0,010). Según el uso de alguno de los 4 métodos, el país donde se encuestó tuvo muchas diferencias entre el uso de uno u otro método; el año de la carrera no estuvo asociado al no uso de alguno de los cuatro métodos; las que fueron católicas o cristianas usaron menos la anticoncepción oral (p<0,001) y las que estudiaban en universidades particulares usaron más el método del ritmo (p<0,05). CONCLUSIONES: Un porcentaje importante no usó ninguno de los cuatro métodos anticonceptivos más comunes, estando esto asociado al tipo de universidad.

INTRODUCTION: The care of contraception is important once you start the sex lives, but this hasn't been measured in different realities of Latin-America. OBJECTIVE: To determine the socio-educational factors associated with non-use of contraceptive methods in universities in four Latin American countries. METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional study. Surveyed women students, who have started their sexual lives. They were asked about the use of condoms, rhythm method, birth control pills and next day pill. These're described and associated to variables socio-educational. RESULTS: 7% (47) did not use any of the 4 contraceptive methods; when performing the multivariate analysis, there were no statistically significant differences by country, the year of study or if they were Catholic/Christian (all values p>0.05), on the other hand, those of particular universities had a higher percentage of non- take care of yourself with one of the 4 methods (RPa: 2,52; IC95%: 1,24-5,14; value p=0,010). According to the use of one of the 4 methods, the country where it was surveyed had many differences between the use of one or the other method; the year of the degree was not associated with the non-use of any of the four methods; those who were Catholic or Christian used less oral contraception (p <0.001) and those who studied at private universities used the rhythm method more (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A significant percentage did not use any of the four most common contraceptive methods, this being associated with the type of university.

An Internet-Based, Peer-Delivered Messaging Intervention for HIV Testing and Condom Use Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in India (CHALO!): Pilot Randomized Comparative Trial.

BACKGROUND: Leveraging internet-based communication tools (eg, messaging apps, SMS text messaging, and email) may be an effective avenue for delivery of HIV prevention messages to men who have sex with men (MSM) in India, but there are limited models for such internet-based interventions. OBJECTIVE: The CHALO! pilot was an online educational and behavioral intervention aimed to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of a peer-delivered, internet-based messaging intervention for HIV testing and consistent condom use for MSM in India. The messages addressed barriers to HIV testing and condom use and were theoretically based on the information-motivation-behavioral skills model. METHODS: Between February and March 2015, we recruited, enrolled, and randomized 244 participants via online advertisements on mobile dating apps and Facebook. Eligible men (18 years or older, sexually active with other men, and self-reported HIV-negative or unknown status) were randomized to receive educational and motivational messages framed as either approach (ie, a desirable outcome to be achieved) or avoidance (an undesirable outcome to be avoided) over 12 weeks via internet-based messaging platforms. Participants completed online surveys at baseline and immediately postintervention. RESULTS: Participants were similar across arms with respect to sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics. Over 82.0% (200/244) of participants were retained (ie, viewed final messages), and 52.3% (130/244) of them completed the follow-up survey. Of those completing the follow-up survey, 82.3% (107/130) liked or strongly liked participating in CHALO!. The results showed a significant increase in self-reported HIV testing in the past 6 months from baseline to follow-up (41/130, 31.5% to 57/130, 43.8%; P=.04). When including those who reported intentions to test, this percentage increased from 44.6% (58/130) at baseline to 65.4% (85/130) at follow-up (P<.01). When examining intentions to test among those without prior HIV testing, intentions increased from 32% (16/50) of the sample at baseline to 56% (28/50) of the sample at follow-up (P=.02). Condom use during anal sex did not significantly change from baseline to follow-up. HIV testing and condom use did not significantly differ between approach and avoidance conditions at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: As one of the first studies of an online HIV prevention intervention for Indian MSM, CHALO! was feasible to implement by a community-based organization, was acceptable to participants, and demonstrated potential to improve HIV testing rates.

Nivel de conocimiento sobre métodos anticonceptivos y salud reproductiva en adolescentes mexicanos de medio rural / Level of knowledge about contraceptive methods and reproductive health in Mexican adolescents in rural area

INTRODUCCIÓN la información sobre anticoncepción es importante antes que se inicie la vida sexual. OBJETIVO determinar el nivel de conocimiento y uso de métodos anticonceptivos por adolescentes en medio rural. MÉTODOS estudio transversal analítico, se encuestó a adolescentes de 15-19 años de edad de ambos sexos, que asistían a un centro de salud rural, 70% sin vida sexual y 30% que ya habían iniciado su vida sexual. Se empleó una cuestionario auto-administrado que incluyó variables sociodemográficas, socioeducativas y de uso de métodos anticonceptivos. RESULTADOS el nivel de conocimientos fue medio en 38% y bajo en 31%. El condón fue el método anticonceptivo más utilizado (88%) y del que se tenía más conocimiento. Tiene un conocimiento bajo el 48,7%, el 30% y el 29,7% de adolescentes de 15, 16 y 17 años respectivamente. El conocimiento va aumentando con la edad; es "medio y alto" en 48,7% y 86,6% a los 15 y 19 años, respectivamente. Se observa que a mayor conocimiento, mayor uso de métodos anticonceptivos. CONCLUSIONES es necesaria mayor información sobre el uso adecuado de los métodos anticonceptivos en la escuela y en la familia a nivel rural antes del inicio de la vida sexual, para prevenir las enfermedades de transmisión sexual y los embarazos no deseados.

INTRODUCTION information on contraception is important before sexual life begins. OBJECTIVE to determine the level of knowledge and use of contraceptive methods by adolescents in rural areas. METHODS analytical cross-sectional study, surveyed adolescents aged 15-19 years of both sexes, who attended a rural health center, 70% without sexual life and 30% who had already started their sexual life. A self-administered questionnaire was used that included sociodemographic, socio-educational and use of contraceptive variables. RESULTS the level of knowledge was medium in 38% and low in 31%. The condom was the most widely used contraceptive method (88%) and the most widely known. 48,7%, 30%, and 29,7% of adolescents aged 15, 16, and 17, respectively, have low knowledge. Knowledge increases with age; it is "medium and high" in 48,7% and in 86,6% at 15 and 19 years, respectively. It is observed that the greater the knowledge, the more frequent use of contraceptive methods. CONCLUSIONS more information is needed on the proper use of contraceptive methods at school and in the family at the rural level before the start of sexual life, to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.

Choices and services related to contraception in the Gaza strip, Palestine: perceptions of service users and providers.

BACKGROUND: Reliable contraception enables women and men to plan their family sizes and avoid unintended pregnancies, which can cause distress and anxiety, but also increase maternal mortality. This study explored potential barriers to contraceptive use for women in the Gaza Strip, Palestine from user and provider perspectives. METHODS: A convenient sample was used to recruit women, who were current contraception users, from three healthcare clinics that provide family planning care, two governmental and one non-governmental. A 16-item questionnaire was completed by 204 women, including socio-demographic data, contraceptive use and eight questions exploring user experience. Additionally, 51 women attended focus groups for a deeper insight into their contraceptive use experience and potential barriers. Furthermore, 14 healthcare providers were interviewed about their experience with service provision. Quantitative data are presented as means and frequencies and qualitative data were analysed item by item and are presented in themes jointly with the quantitative data. RESULTS: Women reported usage of only three main modern methods of contraception with 35.2% using intrauterine devices, 25.8% combined oral contraception and 16.4% condoms, while only 3.1% used the hormonal implant. Expectations from family planning services were low with most women attending the clinic having already decided their contraceptive method with decisions being made by husbands (41.2%) or women jointly with their partner (33.3%), only 13.7% took advice from service providers. Healthcare providers experienced high prevalence of beliefs that modern contraceptives cause infertility and cancer. Main barriers to effective family planning services were misconceptions of potential harm, poor availability and limited choice of contraceptive methods. CONCLUSION: Women's contraceptive choices in Gaza are limited by prevalent misconceptions and fears as well as recurring shortages, negatively impacting fertility control. Men are a major factor in choosing a contraceptive method, however, they have limited access to information and therefore, potentially more misconceptions. Therefore, male community members need to be included in the delivery of information on contraceptives to increase women's choice. Furthermore, greater access to long-acting reversible contraceptives, such as the hormonal implant, and improved availability might be key factors in improving contraceptive uptake in Gaza and, thus, reducing unintended pregnancies.

Contraceptive use and sexual function: a comparison of Italian female medical students and women attending family planning services.

Objectives: The aims of the study were to understand how education relates to contraceptive choice and how sexual function can vary in relation to the use of a contraceptive method.Methods: We surveyed female medical students and women attending a family planning service (FPS) in Italy. Participants completed an online questionnaire which asked for information on sociodemographics, lifestyle, sexuality and contraceptive use and also included items of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).Results: The questionnaire was completed by 413 women (362 students and 51 women attending the FPS) between the ages of 18 and 30 years. FSFI scores revealed a lower risk of sexual dysfunction among women in the control group who did not use oral hormonal contraception. The differences in FSFI total scores between the two study groups, when subdivided by the primary contraceptive method used, was statistically significant (p < 0.005). Women using the vaginal ring had the lowest risk of sexual dysfunction, compared with all other women, and had a positive sexual function profile. In particular, the highest FSFI domain scores were lubrication, orgasm and satisfaction, also among the control group. Expensive contraception, such as long-acting reversible contraception, was not preferred by this young population, even though such methods are more contemporary and manageable. Compared with controls, students had lower compliance with contraception and a negative attitude towards voluntary termination of pregnancy.Conclusion: Despite their scientific knowledge, Italian female medical students were found to need sexual and contraceptive assistance. A woman's sexual function responds to her awareness of her body and varies in relation to how she is guided in her contraceptive choice. Contraceptive counselling is an excellent means to improve female sexuality.

Social Determinants of Health and their influence on the choice of birth control methods.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the association between Social Determinants of Health and birth control methods used by women of childbearing age. METHODS: Documentary and retrospective study, performed at a Brazilian Natural Birth Center with evaluation of the medical records of patients seen between 2003 and 2011 (n=2410). Data were collected on identification and general history, gynecological, sexual and obstetric. RESULTS: Hormone birth control methods were the most used among participants (25.0%); followed by barrier methods (21.5%) and surgical methods (19.3%). Statistical associations were observed regarding age, menarche, onset of sexual activity, pregnancy, miscarriage, smoking, hypertension, marital status, gynecological care and schooling with the choice of methods. CONCLUSION: The results confirm the importance of studies involving Social Determinants of Health, since they interfere in the way women choose birth control methods and the risks that this choice may pose to their health.

Social Determinants of Health and their influence on the choice of birth control methods / Determinantes Sociales de la Salud y su influencia en la elección del método anticonceptivo / Determinantes Sociais da Saúde e sua influência na escolha do método contraceptivo

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the association between Social Determinants of Health and birth control methods used by women of childbearing age. Methods: Documentary and retrospective study, performed at a Brazilian Natural Birth Center with evaluation of the medical records of patients seen between 2003 and 2011 (n=2410). Data were collected on identification and general history, gynecological, sexual and obstetric. Results: Hormone birth control methods were the most used among participants (25.0%); followed by barrier methods (21.5%) and surgical methods (19.3%). Statistical associations were observed regarding age, menarche, onset of sexual activity, pregnancy, miscarriage, smoking, hypertension, marital status, gynecological care and schooling with the choice of methods. Conclusion: The results confirm the importance of studies involving Social Determinants of Health, since they interfere in the way women choose birth control methods and the risks that this choice may pose to their health.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Verificar la asociación entre los Determinantes Sociales de la Salud y el método anticonceptivo utilizado por mujeres en edad fértil. Métodos: Estudio documental y retrospectivo, realizado en un Centro de Parto Natural con evaluación de los prontuarios de pacientes atendidos entre 2003 y 2011 (n=2410). Se recogieron datos de identificación e histórico general, ginecológico, sexual y obstétrico. Resultados: Se destacaron los métodos hormonales como los más utilizados entre las participantes de la investigación (25,0%), seguido por los métodos de barrera (21,5%) y por los métodos quirúrgicos (19,3%). Se observaron asociaciones estadísticas sobre edad, menarquia, inicio de la vida sexual, embarazo, aborto, tabaquismo, hipertensión, estado civil, cuidado ginecológico y escolaridad con la elección de los métodos. Conclusión: Los resultados ratifican la importancia de estudios que involucran a los Determinantes Sociales de la Salud, Determinantes Sociales de la Salud que interfieren en la forma en que las mujeres escogen los métodos anticonceptivos y los riesgos que esa elección puede suponer para su salud.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a associação entre os Determinantes Sociais da Saúde e o método contraceptivo utilizado por mulheres em idade fértil. Métodos: Estudo documental e retrospectivo, realizado em um Centro de Parto Natural com avaliação dos prontuários de pacientes atendidas entre 2003 e 2011 (n=2410). Foram coletados dados de identificação e histórico geral, ginecológico, sexual e obstétrico. Resultados: Destacaram-se os métodos hormonais como os mais utilizados entre as participantes da pesquisa (25,0%), seguido pelos métodos de barreira (21,5%) e pelos métodos cirúrgicos (19,3%). Foram observadas associações estatísticas acerca da idade, menarca, início da vida sexual, gravidez, aborto, tabagismo, hipertensão, estado civil, cuidado ginecológico e escolaridade com a escolha dos métodos. Conclusão: Os resultados ratificam a importância de estudos envolvendo os Determinantes Sociais da Saúde, visto que interferem na forma como as mulheres escolhem os métodos contraceptivos e os riscos que essa escolha pode representar para a sua saúde.

Health-related quality of life in undergraduate women using any contraceptive.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to assess university students' health-related quality of life whether they use some contraceptive method or not. METHODS: This research is a cross-sectional study. Female participants who studied a degree in health at the University of Seville (Spain) were recruited. Respondents completed a demographic questionnaire and health-related quality of life was measured with validated instrument SEC-QoL (Sociedad Española de Contracepción- Quality of Life) in Spanish that measured five dimensions: sexual, social, breast, menstrual and psychosocial. RESULTS: A total of 992 women aged 21.37 (3.6) years old participated in this study. Women who used a contraceptive method reached higher scores at the SEC-QoL questionnaire 47.09 (17.04) and 46.91 (18.73) than those that didn't. Likewise, women who chose a hormonal method showed a better overall health-related quality of life, compared to those who used a non-hormonal method. Participants who used hormonal contraceptives obtained higher scores in all health-related quality of life domains (social, menstrual, breast and sexual), except psychological domain when compared to those who used a non hormonal method or none. Furthermore, a moderated mediation model showed that the effect of the current contraceptive method on health-related quality of life was partially explained by the moderated mediation of the time using this method, the reason for using it and the existence of a partner. CONCLUSION: The usage of hormonal contraceptives increases health-related quality of life in young women. Several variables regarding the experience with contraceptive methods should be considered in order to examine the effect on health-related quality of life in undergraduate women.

Perceived infertility and contraceptive use in the female, reproductive-age cancer survivor.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between perceived fertility potential and contraception use and to characterize factors important in contraceptive decision making in reproductive-age, female cancer survivors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Participants were from two state cancer registries, physician referrals, and cancer survivor advocacy groups in the United States. PATIENT(S): A total of 483 female survivors aged 18-40 years. INTERVENTION(S): Online questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Contraception use. RESULT(S): Eighty-four percent of participants used contraception; 49.7% used highly effective, World Health Organization tiers I and II methods (surgical sterilization, intrauterine devices, contraceptive implant, combined hormonal contraceptives, medroxyprogesterone acetate, progestin-only pills, contraceptive diaphragm). Contraception non-use was more common among survivors who perceived themselves to be infertile, compared with survivors who perceived themselves to be as or more fertile than similarly aged peers (prevalence ratio 4.0, 95% confidence interval 2.5-7.4). In mediation analysis that adjusted for clinical infertility, 59% of the association between prior chemotherapy and contraception non-use was explained by perceived infertility. Contraception efficacy (n = 62, 25.8%) and ease of use (n = 50, 20.8%) were the most cited reasons for using tier I/II methods; compared with lack of hormones (n = 81, 49.7%) as the predominant reason for using less-effective, tier III/IV methods. CONCLUSION(S): Although female, reproductive-age cancer survivors had high uptake of contraception, those who perceived themselves to be infertile were less likely to use contraception. Throughout survivorship, clinicians should counsel survivors on fertility potential in the context of their prior cancer treatments and on factors, including contraceptive efficacy and hormone-free contraception, that inform reproductive decision making in this population.

Fertility management experiences of women with polycystic ovary syndrome in Australia.

BACKGROUND: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are usually told that the condition is associated with fertility difficulties. However, little is known about their fertility management including contraceptive use, childbearing desires, and pregnancy outcomes. AIM: To compare the fertility management experiences and outcomes of Australian women with and without PCOS. METHOD: The 2013 Australian electoral roll was used to identify a random sample of 18- to 50-year-old women who were sent the Understanding Fertility Management in Australia survey to be completed anonymously. Factors associated with fertility management and outcomes were identified in multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Among the 1543 women who completed and returned the survey, 113 (7.3%) reported having PCOS. Women with PCOS reported a similar rate of current contraceptive use as women without PCOS (50.4% vs. 52.6%, p = .66). However, they were significantly younger at first pregnancy (24.9 vs. 26.8 years, p = .015), more likely to have consulted a health professional about fertility management (OR: 3.86, 95% CI: 2.50-5.96, p < .001), and perceive that it would be difficult to conceive (OR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.41-3.79, p = .001) than women without PCOS. There were no significant differences in the number of desired children, unintended pregnancies, live births, abortions or miscarriages between women with and without PCOS. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that women with PCOS need more nuanced information about their fertility potential. While they may experience fertility difficulties because of their condition, they should also be informed that they can conceive spontaneously and need reliable contraception to avoid pregnancy when it is not wanted.

Postpartum Contraceptive use and Rapid Repeat Pregnancy Among Women who use Substances.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum contraception is especially important for women who use alcohol and other substances, given the risk of possible rapid repeat pregnancy and prenatal substance exposure. However, little is known about postpartum contraceptive use among women with substance use histories. OBJECTIVE: To characterize postpartum contraceptive initiation, 24-month continuation, and rapid repeat pregnancy among women who used substances during pregnancy. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of 161 pregnant women who enrolled in a randomized clinical trial to treat substance use in pregnancy and completed at least one follow-up assessment. Women were eligible if they were less than 28 weeks gestation and reported alcohol or illicit drug use within the past 30 days. Participants were recruited from two hospital-based OB/GYN clinics between 2006 and 2010, and completed assessments at delivery and 3-, 12-, and 24-months postpartum. RESULTS: Past 30-day use of any substance (not including tobacco) was 52.4%, 58.3%, and 59.8% at 3-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up, respectively. Marijuana was the most commonly reported illicit substance (as high as 48.1%). Rates of any contraceptive use were 71.3%, 66.7% and 65.3% at 3-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up, respectively; DepoProvera and condoms were the most common methods. Rapid repeat pregnancy occurred in 28% of participants by 24-month follow-up. Conclusions/Importance: Postpartum contraceptive use among substance using women was at or near 70%, which is comparable to other samples of postpartum women. Innovative efforts are needed to promote effective contraceptive use among postpartum women in general and among those who use substances in particular.