POPLINE Document Number: 123004
Author(s):
da Costa JS
D'Elia PB
Moreira MR
Source citation:
Cadernos de Saude Publica, 1996 Jul-Sep;12(3):339-44.
Abstract:
An epidemiological survey was carried out in the city of Pelotas in southern Brazil in order to study the prevalence of various contraceptive methods among 677 women in the age range of 20-49 years. The study was conducted to follow up on a previous study carried out during March-June 1992. A cross-over investigation was also done involving 296 women from 852 households from 25 sectors of the city to ascertain the use of oral contraceptives. Structured and precoded questionnaires were employed for the analysis by trained medical students who collected data on contraceptive use, socioeconomic and educational status, smoking, hypertension, and concerning the question of who recommended the contraceptive. Inappropriate contraceptive use was defined to include women who smoked, who were aged over 35, and/or had arterial systemic hypertension. 445 (65.7%) were currently using some type of contraceptive method: 296 (66.5%) were using oral contraceptives (OCs), 82 (18.4%) had undergone surgical sterilization, 10 (4.3%) were using IUDs, 18 (4.0%) were using condoms, 11 (2.5%) were using the calendar method, 6 (1.3%) had undergone hysterectomy, 8 (1.8%) were using injectables, and the mates of 3 (0.7%) had undergone vasectomy. The use of OCs decreased with age, whereas the use of other methods increased with advancing age. Tubal ligation rates increased starting at age 30. Among OC users, 67 were in the 20-24 age group, 70 were in the 25-29 age group, 59 were in the 30-34 age group, and 58 were in the 35-39 age group. With regard to tubal ligation, 23 women were in the 30-34 age group, 26 were in the 35-39 age group, and 17 were in the 40-44 age group. When asked who recommended the contraceptive method, 349 (78.4%) women reported that it was the physician, 82 (18.4%) indicated that it was their own initiative, and 14 (3.2%) mentioned other persons. Bivariate analysis examined inadequate use of contraception in relation to social class and education. It was revealed that 22.7% of women among the traditional bourgeoisie, 17.4% among the newly rich, 14.1% among the nontypical proletariat, 21.3% among the proletariat, and 28.6% among the sub-proletariat were not using adequate contraception.
Keywords:
BrazilIndex page
Summary Report
Contraceptive Prevalence Surveys
Contraceptive Prevalence
Contraceptive Usage
Contraception
Socioeconomic Status
Women
Developing Countries
South America, Eastern
South America
Latin America
Americas
Family Planning Surveys
Family Planning
Socioeconomic Factors
Economic Factors
Demographic Factors
Population