The knowledge and use of birth control in the year 2000: the future needs of minority women

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge, main complaints, side effects, and satisfaction of minority women using various methods of birth control (BC). Methods: Three hundred thirty randomly selected charts of women using various BC methods were reviewed retrospectively. The study population consisted mainly of African-American (AA) and Hispanic (HP) women. Results: The most common methods of BC used by AA and HP women were condomS (28%), BC pills (19%), and Depo-Provera (13%). Main complaints were weight gain, breakthrough bleeding, nausea, and vomiting. The side effects and other complications were comparable between the two groups. Significant numbers (65%) of younger AA and HP women (median age: 24 years) expressed a strong desire to learn more about BC compared with older women (median age: 29 years). The abortion rate was significantly ( P = 0.01) higher in younger (<30 years) AA and HP women compared with older groups who used BC methods. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that young minority women have insufficient knowledge about BC methods and the health benefits and relative risks of BC. To reduce the high rate of abortions and the risk of unplanned or unwanted and ectopic pregnancies, as well as future fertility, more counseling is needed for minority women.