Sexuality, reproduction, and contraception among residents in obstetrics and gynecology.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the contraceptive practices and attitudes of residents in obstetrics and gynecology, both personally and professionally.


METHODS
We conducted a national survey of obstetrics and gynecology residents.


RESULTS
One thousand ninety-one questionnaires (29% of those mailed) were returned, representing 3761 residents in 218 of the 275 programs surveyed. Less than 2% of this population wishing to avoid conception failed to use contraception. The oral contraceptive (OC) pill, the most common current method of contraception (59%), was significantly more prevalent among female residents than among female partners of male residents (P < .001). Condom use was more prevalent among male residents than among partners of female residents (P = .005). When controlled for age, parity, and marital status, and using log linear analysis, gender had a statistically significant impact on the use of several contraceptive methods. Female residents were five times more likely than a comparably educated, nonphysician group of women to use OCs. Twenty-six percent of respondents stated that they would not use the intrauterine device (IUD) personally, but might recommend it to their patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Residents in obstetrics and gynecology demonstrate a high prevalence of contraceptive use. Controlling for demographic variables, we found that male and female residents have different attitudes on contraceptive use. Residents believe that OC use is safe and reliable for themselves and their patients, but demonstrate doubt about their own use of an IUD.
Windsor
A M
AM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison, USA.
Julian
T M
TM
D000328:Adult; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009774:Obstetrics; D010298:Parity; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior