A profile of contraceptive non-use in Kuwait: implications for health and health care.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the characteristics of women who have never used contraception, and do not intend to use it in the future; examine the factors affecting such behavior and intentions; and discuss their health implications.


METHODS
Survey data from a nationally representative random sample of Kuwaiti households, collected in a study conducted in 1999 and containing 1502 currently married women, were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.


RESULTS
Based on the present study, 19% of women had never used contraception and 50% were not using contraception when interviewed. Among current non-users, 42% did not intend to use contraception, and 31% were unsure about use during the following year. Negative attitudes of the respondents and their husbands were the critical factors in non-use and future intentions for non-use. Never-users were older (average age 37.8 years) and of higher parity (6.2) than other women.


CONCLUSIONS
Being older and of higher parity, never-users constitute a high-risk group that may be in need of counseling. Also, negative attitudes towards contraception need modification.
Shah
M A
MA
Health Information Administration Department, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and Nursing, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
Shah
N M
NM
Chowdhury
R I
RI
Menon
I
I
D000328:Adult; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007730:Kuwait; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016387:Women's Health; D014932:Women's Health Services