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Is users' knowledge about contraceptives adequate? A case study of finnish IUD users

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  • Makkonen, Katri
  • Hemminki, Elina
  • Uutela, Antti

Abstract

Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) are popular: in Finland, in 1987, about 25% of women of childbearing age used them. We studied Finnish women's knowledge aabout contraindications for and side-effects of IUD use, with emphasis on current users. In December 1987-January 1988, a postal questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 1000 women of childbearing age, in Uusimaa province, which includes the capital, Helsinki. After three reminders, the response rate was 84%. We compared the answers of current and past users and nonusers of IUDs, and analyzed the associations between IUD use, education, age, and knowledge about side-effects. In contrast to the recommendations for use and information to be given to the contraceptive users, a substantial proportion of current IUD users assumed there are few limitations for IUD use. Some side-effects possibly leading to severe consequences were not considered to be connected with IUD use, not even by users. Although risk of infection was a quite well known fact, infertility was seldom associated with IUD use, and 22% of current IUD user did not associate ectopic pregnancy with IUDs. The results thus suggest that contraceptive counseling is not fully adequate and should receive more attention.

Suggested Citation

  • Makkonen, Katri & Hemminki, Elina & Uutela, Antti, 1992. "Is users' knowledge about contraceptives adequate? A case study of finnish IUD users," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 35(9), pages 1131-1136, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:35:y:1992:i:9:p:1131-1136
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