Profile of unobservant women regarding contraception in Sousse (Tunisia)

Abstract

Abstract Background The contraceptive prevalence rate in Tunisia is estimated around 62.5%meanwhile the rate of voluntary termination of pregnancy is constantly increasing. The aim of this study was to define the profile of unobservant women regarding contraception and to assess their knowledge about oral contraception. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted during the month of March 2018 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Service in Sousse (Tunisia). This study included 100 women who had undergone voluntary termination of pregnancy. All the participants were using contraceptive means. Results Roughly 49% of participants were aged between 30 and 38 years, 64% came from an urban environment, 68% had low socio-economic status and 34% had a secondary level of education. Most of them (98%) were using progestin-only pills. Approximately 40 % did not know what ‘back-up' measures they should take after missing a dose of the contraceptive pill. Conclusions We cannot extrapolate these results to the whole Tunisian women but we are facing a lack of minimal knowledge about contraception among at least this category of women. Those patients should be more educated and monitored by the prescribers of contraception such as midwives. Key messages The rate of voluntary termination of pregnancy is constantly increasing. Patients should be more educated and monitored by the prescribers of contraception such as midwives.