title: Family planning methods among women in a vaginal microbicide feasibility study in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
abstract: This study investigated contraceptive use among women in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Of 866 sexually active women not intending pregnancy and screened for a microbicide feasibility study, 466 (54%) reported currently using modern contraceptives: injectables (31%), condoms (12%), sterilization (60%) and pills (4%). Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed statistically significantly higher odds of current contraceptive use among married vs. engaged/unmarried women (aOR 1.64), multiparous vs. nulliparous (aOR 4.45) and women who completed secondary education or above vs. primary or less (aOR 1.64). Significantly lower odds of use were observed among women aged 40+ vs. age 15-19 (aOR 0.38). Age, marital status, education level and parity were associated with different contraceptive method choices. Among 195 women followed longitudinally for 9 months, contraceptive use increased significantly from 56% to 70%, largely due to increased condom use (15% to 28%). Results highlight the importance of integrating family planning and HIV/STI prevention counseling and informing promotion of further contraceptive uptake among women not intending pregnancy.
authors.affiliation: Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal, PO Box 198, Mtubatuba 3935, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Subramanian
authors.forename: Nuala
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: McGrath
authors.forename: Hlengiwe
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ndlovu
authors.forename: Mitzy
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gafos
mesh_terms: D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003267:Contraception / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D015995:Prevalence; D021841:Safe Sex; D013019:South Africa; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female