Background factors of defective contraception in abortion-seeking patients
Lalos, A.; Frankman, O.; Jacobsson, L.; von Schoultz, B.
Lakartidningen 80(26-27): 2646-2648
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-7205 PMID: 6621194 Document Number: 575566
459 women seeking abortion answered a questionnaire about their motives, contraceptive methods and use, and their reasons for failing to use them. An additional 50 in-depth interviews were conducted to obtain a more detailed view of their relationship to partners, decision to seek abortion, and experience with contraceptives. Results indicated that 254 women (56%) admitted to not having used any contraception before getting pregnant, and 44% had used condoms. Socioeconomic factors were less important than geographical location for those seeking abortion. Those under 20 were most likely not to use contraceptives (67%), while only the 30-34 age group's usage pattern exceeded 50%. 174 women (38%) had had 1 or more previous abortions, while 11% had 3 or more. The rate of contraceptive use increased from 40% to 45% after abortion. Repeat abortions were typical for very fertile, sexually active women. Women who had harmonious relationships with their partners used contraceptives more extensively. 11 of 14 women who had problematic relationships had not used any contraception at the time the unwanted pregnancy occurred. Women with several partners tended to use contraceptives less -- a paradoxical finding. Women who made the decision about abortion alone were less likely to use contraception than those whose partners were also involved in the decision making. Only 37% of the women who were ambivalent about having a child in the future used contraception, evincing an unconscious desire to have children. Counseling after the abortion procedure combined with advice about contraception may help prevent repeat abortions.