title: Knowledge and factors determining choice of contraception among Singaporean women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The study aimed to assess the level of awareness and knowledge of contraception among women in Singapore, and identify the factors that influence contraception choice.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 259 female patients, aged 21-49 years, who attended the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic at National University Hospital, Singapore. An original questionnaire on nine contraceptive methods was used. Respondents who had ≥ 2 correct answers for a method (out of four questions) were considered to have good knowledge of the method. Participants were asked to rate factors known to influence contraceptive choice as important or not important.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Awareness of the following methods was high: condom (100.0%), oral contraception pill (89.2%), tubal ligation (73.0%) and copper intrauterine device (IUD) (72.2%). The women were least aware of hormonal IUD (24.3%). Women who were parous, had a previous abortion, had completed their family or used contraception previously were more likely to have a higher awareness of contraception. 89.2% of the women had good knowledge of the condom; among those aware of hormonal IUD, only 46.0% had good knowledge of it. Women who had used hormonal IUD and the condom were more likely to have good knowledge of them. Many rated efficacy (90.5%) and a healthcare professional's advice (90.1%) as important in contraceptive choice. Few considered peer influence (21.0%) and cultural practices (16.3%) to be important.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Women in Singapore have poor awareness and knowledge of contraception, especially long-acting reversible methods. More effective ways are needed to educate women about contraceptive methods.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: Arundhati
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gosavi
authors.affiliation: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Yueyun
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.affiliation: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Hungchew
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: Kuldip
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000328:Adult; D002755:Choice Behavior; D017280:Condoms; D003267:Contraception / Q000379:methods*; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices; D008875:Middle Aged; D010298:Parity; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012846:Singapore; D012923:Social Class; D013246:Sterilization, Tubal; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral
keywords: awareness; contraception; counselling; knowledge; questionnaire