Title: [Knowledge about contraceptives in a population 15 years or older in a southern Brazilian city]

POPLINE Document Number: 315153

Author(s):

Paniz VM
Fassa AG
da Silva MC

Source citation:

Cadernos de Saude Publica, 2005 Nov-Dec;21(6):1747-1760.

Abstract:

In Brazil, prevalence of contraceptive use is high, but incorrect and inappropriate use is frequent, suggesting limited knowledge about methods. This study thus evaluated the knowledge about the most widely used contraceptive methods, measured through a score (0-10) and related factors. A population-based cross-sectional study was performed, with 3,542 subjects ages 15 or older, residing in the urban area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State. The mean overall knowledge score was 4.65 (sd = 2.07): 5.02 (sd = 2.10) for women and 4.18 (sd = 1.92) for men. Lower age, higher schooling, a report of unwanted pregnancy, and any lifetime use of contraceptive methods (exclusive or combined) were associated with higher knowledge scores among men, while for women, the determinants of higher knowledge were higher age, living with a partner, higher schooling, higher socioeconomic status, not reporting a religion, and any lifetime use of contraceptive methods (exclusive or combined). Despite high prevalence of any lifetime contraceptive use (75.3%), knowledge is still limited about the most widely used methods, as well as about the menstrual cycle and fertile period. (author's)

Keywords:

Brazil
Research Report
KAP Surveys
Adults
Adolescents
Contraceptive Usage
Age Factors
Educational Status
Socioeconomic Factors
Religious Aspects
Pregnancy, Unwanted
Living Arrangements
South America, Eastern
South America
Latin America
Americas
Developing Countries
Surveys
Sampling Studies
Studies
Research Methodology
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Youth
Contraception
Family Planning
Socioeconomic Status
Economic Factors
Religion
Sociocultural Factors
Reproductive Behavior
Fertility
Population Dynamics
Residence Characteristics
Population Distribution
Geographic Factors