Knowledge of contraceptive effectiveness and method use among women in Hanoi, Vietnam

Maria F. Gallo,Markus J. Steiner,Nghia Nguyen,Chuong Nguyen

doi:10.1016/j.conx.2019.100009

Maria F. Gallo, Markus J. Steiner + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conx.2019.100009

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Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between contraceptive knowledge and type of method used. MethodsWe analyzed data from a cross-sectional study of sexually active women in Hanoi, Vietnam, not desiring pregnancy. We used linear and logistic regression to evaluate contraceptive knowledge of users of the intrauterine device (IUD), combination oral contraception (COC) and male condoms. We measured contraceptive knowledge with seven questions on relative effectiveness of methods, reversibility, covert use, contraindications and side effects. ResultsRespondents used IUD (n = 128), COC (n = 126) or condoms (n = 167). Summary knowledge scores did not differ by current type of method used. Only one knowledge domain, contraceptive effectiveness, varied by method. Compared to condom users, IUD users had higher odds of correctly identifying the IUD as more effective than COC, condoms and withdrawal (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.7–8.3). Higher proportions of condom users (49.7%) mistakenly identified condoms as the most effective of listed methods compared to IUD (20.3%) and COC users (23.0%). On the other hand, IUD and COC users had lower odds (aOR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.2–1.0 and aOR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1–0.6, respectively) of identifying consistent condom use as better for pregnancy prevention than other practices (e.g., withdrawal and postcoital douching). ConclusionsIUD users more often recognized that the IUD is highly effective while condom users appeared to overestimate condom effectiveness. Contraceptive counseling should ensure that women understand the relative effectiveness of methods. We found no evidence that other types of contraceptive knowledge differed by type of method used. ImplicationsKnowledge of contraceptive effectiveness was the sole difference detected in contraceptive knowledge between women in Hanoi, Vietnam, using the IUD, COC or male condoms.

Highlights

Poor knowledge about contraception has been documented in a variety of settings worldwide [1,2,3]
Female university students attributed their failure to use long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) to their lack of knowledge of the methods [6], and women in a postnatal ward cited their lack of knowledge of postpartum methods [7]
Numerous interventions have been developed to improve contraceptive knowledge [8]; these are predicated on the assumption that a certain degree or type of knowledge is needed to prompt behavior change related to contraception use

Summary

Introduction

Poor knowledge about contraception has been documented in a variety of settings worldwide [1,2,3] This lack of knowledge has been identified as a possible determinant of failure to consistently and correctly use effective contraception and, subsequently, as a key cause of unintended pregnancy [4,5]. The precontemplation stage could be characterized as including those who are not even considering the use of contraception, while the contemplation stage could include those who recognize that contraception use is needed to effectively prevent pregnancy. This progression is necessary for eventually undertaking actions related to initiating and maintaining the use of contraception

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Results

Conclusion