Change in contraceptive choices and the effect of education on use of contraception at the family planning clinic of Sişli Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate change in contraceptive use and the effect of education on fertility and contraceptive attitudes at our family planning clinic.

METHODS

For this retrospective review, medical charts from Sişli Etfal Training and Research Hospital Family Planning Center were obtained. Records were evaluated for 2514 women in 1997 and 2268 women in 2002.

RESULTS

During the 6-year period studied, significant decreases occurred in the number of births, elective abortions, gravidity and number of living children (p < 0.001). When the patterns of method use were compared, use of intrauterine devices and of coitus interruptus diminished whereas pill and condom use increased. Parallel with the rise in educational level, intrauterine device use declined whereas pill and condom use rose significantly (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The sociocultural and educational levels of women affect their contraceptive choices. Policies aimed at raising the socioeconomic and educational level of women should be supported to prevent maternal and fetal complications as a result of unwanted pregnancies.