Coitus interruptus as a contraceptive method: Turkish women's perceptions and experiences.
OBJECTIVE
This paper is a report of a study conducted to determine the perceptions and experiences of coitus interruptus as a contraceptive method used by married women in Turkey.


BACKGROUND
Various factors affect women's choice of contraceptive methods. One of these factors is socioeconomic status, which may have an effect on the practice of coitus interruptus by women. Socioeconomic status refers to the relative position of a family or individual in a hierarchical social structure based on their access to or control over wealth, prestige and power.


METHODS
The study population consisted of married Turkish women from two different socioeconomic status groups in Turkey who were currently using coitus interruptus. Structured interviews on their demographic characteristics and perceptions and experiences of coitus interruptus were carried out between August 2004 and August 2005 with a convenience sample of 422 women (response rate 97.2%).


RESULTS
Most participants were satisfied with the practice of coitus interruptus. Conception was the most common reason for discontinuing practice of the method. Age and educational level of participants did not affect failure in coitus interruptus practice in women of either socioeconomic status. The majority of the women of both socioeconomic statuses began practising coitus interruptus again after having stopped.


CONCLUSIONS
Women generally favoured coitus interruptus, believing in its efficacy and safety, and stated that both women and their husbands preferred to use it. Nurses and midwives should promote knowledge of all effective methods for fertility regulation while women are in the fertile ages.
Ciftçioğlu
Sibel
S
School of Nursing, Atatürk University, Hemşirelik Yüksekokulu, Erzurum, Turkey.
Erci
Behice
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003076:Coitus Interruptus / Q000523:psychology*; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014421:Turkey; D055815:Young Adult