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pubmed:abstractText |
In 1984 and 1985, a survey was conducted of 7696 women aged 15-44 living in Italy, France, Great Britain, Spain and the Federal Republic of Germany. The aim of the study was to examine the use of contraceptive methods, the differences in contraceptive use, knowledge of fertility, communication about contraception, motives for choice and the perceptions held by women regarding contraceptive methods, particularly oral contraception. The results show important differences between the countries studied.
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pubmed:otherAbstract |
PIP: A survey was conducted in 1984 and 1985 of 7696 women aged 15-44 and living in Italy, France, Great Britain, Spain, and the Federal Republic of Germany with several objectives: to obtain new information on contraceptive use and the various contraceptive methods available in these 5 countries; to detect the influence, if any, of demographic and socioeconomic factors on contraceptive use; to assess the women's level of knowledge of selected facts relating to their own fertility; to gain insight into elements influencing communication of the subject of contraception; and to learn the attitudes and opinions of the women about contraceptive methods and their use. 1-stage cluster sampling was the basic sampling method used in all 5 countries, with variations adopted to deal with characteristics unique to individual countries. Refusal rates were low: 9% for Italy, 10% for France, 7% for Great Britain, 12% for Spain, and 11% for the Federal Republic of Germany. Women not using contraception or depending on less reliable methods such as rhythm or withdrawal represented 67% (Italy), 36% (France), 14% (Great Britain), 42% (Spain), and 43% (Federal Republic of Germany) of those sampled. Barrier methods were quite popular in Italy, Spain, and Great Britain but not in West Germany or France. The use of the IUD seems to have become a southern European practice, the method being most widely used in Spain, and also in France and Italy especially in comparison with other studies. Oral contraceptive (OC) use remained at a high level in Great Britain, France, and West Germany. All countries showed similar variations in practice with age and desire for future children. Education was still an important factor affecting attitudes and practice in Italy and Spain but not (any longer) in the other 3 countries. The role of the general practitioner at the gynecologist as sources of information varied from 1 country to another according to the health care system, but the use of family planning institutions, available in all 5 countries, was disappointing (except in Great Britain), especially since such institutions often were established specifically to provide services to high risk groups. Health reasons were the primary motivation for changing contraceptive method, with reliability following well behind. General perceptions of contraceptive method showed a marked consistency among all 5 countries and in all groups.
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