Results of the National Contraception Survey Conducted by <i>Sociedad Española de Contracepción</i> (2020)

Background: The National Contraception Survey conducted by <i>Sociedad Española de Contracepción</i> intends to know the sexual and contraceptive habits of Spanish women of reproductive age. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study with random sample selection was conducted with...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Fatima Leon-Larios, José Gutiérrez Ales, María José Puente Martínez, Marta Correa Rancel, Isabel Lahoz Pascual, Isabel Silva Reus, José Cruz Quílez Conde
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-06-01
Series:Journal of Clinical Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/11/13/3777
Description
Summary:Background: The National Contraception Survey conducted by <i>Sociedad Española de Contracepción</i> intends to know the sexual and contraceptive habits of Spanish women of reproductive age. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study with random sample selection was conducted with women aged from 14 to 49 years old in July and August 2020. Results: A total of 1801 women participated in the study, of which 78.7% used some contraception method during their sexual relationships. The most frequently used methods were condoms (31.3%) and combined oral contraceptives (18.5%) at their last sexual encounter. A total of 25.7% used both condoms and pills, especially younger women and those who had no steady partners (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Use of Long-acting Reversible Contraceptives continues to be low, although a slight increase in their use is observed, and they are recommended for 50% of the users who need contraception. Counselling on contraception was provided to 64.3% of the women, mainly by their gynaecologists. Regarding the decision to use a contraceptive method, the one suggested by health professionals was more influential, although this was not the case for women aged less than 20 years old (<i>p</i> < 0.001). A total of 38.4% of the women have used emergency oral contraception at least once and 66.8% of those who do not make continuous use of contraception methods do so out of personal choice. Conclusions: It is necessary to deepen work on counselling and awareness among the population towards the use of efficient contraceptive methods that prevent unplanned pregnancies.
ISSN:2077-0383