A profile of contraceptive non-use in Kuwait: implications for health and health care
Shah, M.A.; Shah, N.M.; Chowdhury, R.I.; Menon, I.
European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care the Official Journal of the European Society of Contraception 8(2): 99-108
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 1362-5187 PMID: 12831607 DOI: 10.1080/ejc.8.2.99.108Document Number: 249829
To analyze the characteristics of women who have never used contraception, and do not intend to use it in the future; examine the factors affecting such behavior and intentions; and discuss their health implications. Survey data from a nationally representative random sample of Kuwaiti households, collected in a study conducted in 1999 and containing 1502 currently married women, were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Based on the present study, 19% of women had never used contraception and 50% were not using contraception when interviewed. Among current non-users, 42% did not intend to use contraception, and 31% were unsure about use during the following year. Negative attitudes of the respondents and their husbands were the critical factors in non-use and future intentions for non-use. Never-users were older (average age 37.8 years) and of higher parity (6.2) than other women. Being older and of higher parity, never-users constitute a high-risk group that may be in need of counseling. Also, negative attitudes towards contraception need modification.