Change in contraceptive choices and the effect of education on use of contraception at the family planning clinic of Sişli Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate change in contraceptive use and the effect of education on fertility and contraceptive attitudes at our family planning clinic.


METHODS
For this retrospective review, medical charts from Sişli Etfal Training and Research Hospital Family Planning Center were obtained. Records were evaluated for 2514 women in 1997 and 2268 women in 2002.


RESULTS
During the 6-year period studied, significant decreases occurred in the number of births, elective abortions, gravidity and number of living children (p < 0.001). When the patterns of method use were compared, use of intrauterine devices and of coitus interruptus diminished whereas pill and condom use increased. Parallel with the rise in educational level, intrauterine device use declined whereas pill and condom use rose significantly (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The sociocultural and educational levels of women affect their contraceptive choices. Policies aimed at raising the socioeconomic and educational level of women should be supported to prevent maternal and fetal complications as a result of unwanted pregnancies.
Baksu
Alparslan
A
1st Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, Sişli Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Gunes
Gursel
G
Aki
Gun
G
Tuysuz
Filiz
F
Goker
Nimet
N
D000328:Adult; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004522:Educational Status; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008499:Medical Records; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012923:Social Class; D014421:Turkey
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral