[Evaluation of the Norwegian Medical Association's campaign for improved contraception and fewer induced abortions].
BACKGROUND
Two thirds of the young women who want induced abortions have not used contraception, and it is likely that improved education in contraception will lead to a decline in induced abortions. The Norwegian Medical Association sees this as its responsibility, and in 1995 proposed a campaign to improve the quantity and quality of physicians' advice on contraceptive use. A booklet was produced and mailed with a poster to all general practitioners in May 1997.


METHODS
Before the distribution of the information package a questionnaire on how contraception was taught was sent to a representative sample of 211 general practitioners. Six months later the same 211 received a similar questionnaire with a few questions added on the possible effect of the information package.


RESULTS
132 physicians responded the first time and 105 the second. Four out of five general practitioners have consultations where they advise on contraception at least weekly. 70% had attended courses on sexology or contraception. 80% found the booklet useful, and 12% had changed their routines as a consequence of the campaign. Routine examinations before prescription of contraceptives were more extensive than the booklet advises. There was no measurable difference in reported practice before and after the campaign, but by using the more than 20,000 potential annual consultations as the unit instead of the physicians, there were significant moves in the right direction.


CONCLUSIONS
Even if the evaluation cannot document improved contraception as a result of the campaign, the quality of the physicians' advice on contraception has improved.
Aasland
O G
OG
Legeforeningens forskningsinstitutt, Oslo.
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009664:Norway; D010174:Pamphlets; D011247:Pregnancy; D012955:Societies, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires