Knowledge and use of contraceptive methods on the Atlantic coast of Colombia
Ojeda, G.; Garzon, L.M.
Profamilia Planificacion Poblacion y Desarollo 7(18): 12-14
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0122-0977 PMID: 12284745 Document Number: 369640
The Atlantic region contains 20% of Colombia's population, including 1.4 million women aged 15-49. 2/3 of the population is urban. Despite an increase in contraceptive usage from 39% in 1978 to 52% in 1986, the region still has the lowest prevalence of any of Colombia's major regions. PROFAMILIA has planned campaigns to increase contraceptive usage in the Atlantic region and to encourage the use of temporary methods for birth spacing. The 1st survey of the Atlantic Coast was conducted in 1988 to obtain information on contraceptive use and attitudes as the basis for a campaign to promote use of Microgynon 21 oral contraceptives (OCs) and Tahiti condoms. 59% of women in union were using a method at the time of the survey. In urban and rural areas respectively, 17.9% and 12.2% used pills, 25.8% and 23.8% used female sterilization, 4.9% and 2.8% used IUDs, and 2.5% and 2.8% used injectables. Only .9% and 1.1% used vaginal methods, and .6% and .2% used condoms. No men in rural areas and .2% in urban areas chose vasectomy. 91% of OC users reported taking a pill each day, but some users took one only when they had sexual relations or 1 each week. 70% of users waited an incorrect number of days before starting a new cycle. Over half responded correctly that if they forgot a pill they should take another immediately and follow the regular cycle. Over half of current pill users had thought of changing methods, with over half of those considering sterilization, 28% the IUD, and 12% injectables. 38% of OC users thinking of changing methods would do so because of side effects and 36% because they were tired of taking a pill each day. All users of vaginal methods reported using them correctly. Condoms are usually purchased by men, who prefer to buy them at the drug store. All urban condom users reported having considered changing methods, 3/4 to female sterilization and 1.4 to an IUD. 65% of sterilized women reported undergoing the operation because they wanted no more children, 28% on the recommendation of a physician, and 4% because of economic problems. Over 95% of sterilized women reported satisfaction with the operation.