title: A profile of contraceptive non-use in Kuwait: implications for health and health care.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Health Information Administration Department, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and Nursing, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: R I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Chowdhury
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Menon
mesh_terms: 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