title: Physicians' views of periodic abstinence methods: a study in four countries.
abstract: A study of the knowledge, perceptions, and behavioral intentions of physicians regarding periodic abstinence (PA) methods was undertaken in Mauritius, Peru, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Most respondents considered PA to be useful, although even the PA providers prescribed mainly non-PA methods. Detailed knowledge of PA methods was not evident, but most physicians were willing to initiate general discussion about PA with patients. Physicians favored methods perceived as "scientific" and "modern," which primarily prevent pregnancy and secondarily avoid other health risks. When carefully presented as "scientific" and "modern," methods presented to medical audiences may find acceptance and be more likely to result in referral.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Population Studies, University of Exeter, UK.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Snowden
authors.forename: K I
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Kennedy
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Leon
authors.forename: V C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Orense
authors.forename: H W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Perera
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Askew
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Flynn
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Severy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001831:Body Temperature; D002410:Catholicism; D002582:Cervix Mucus; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008436:Mauritius; D012252:Natural Family Planning Methods; D010568:Peru; D010679:Philippines; D010820:Physicians; D013188:Sri Lanka