Contraceptive counseling in Turkey after induced abortion

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of post-abortion contraceptive counseling to women with unwanted pregnancy and to investigate use of modem contraceptive methods among Turkish women. Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted at 3 Turkish centers between March 23, 2008, and January 10, 2011. A total of 333 women enrolled in the study were divided into 2 groups. Women in group 1 (n=140) presented with unwanted pregnancy requiring induced abortion whereas women in group 2 (n=193) had requested contraception counseling. Results: The use of coitus interruptus or condoms was significantly more frequent in group 1 than in group 2 (P<0.001). No statistically significant differences were detected between the 2 groups in their use of oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, injection methods, calendar methods, and other methods. The education level attained by women in group 1 was lower than that of women in group 2 (P=0.041). Conclusion: Increased effort is required to ensure that sufficient education about family planning is provided to Turkish women for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies and induced abortions. Crown Copyright (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. on behalf of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. All rights reserved.