Contraceptive methods and attitude of women seeking termination of unwanted pregnancies toward subsequent childbirth

Abstract

Abstract Background: An increasing proportion of unwanted pregnancies are due to contraceptive failure. Objective: To determine contraceptive methods and attitude toward subsequent childbirth among women requesting termination or prevention of unwanted pregnancy. Methods: Through a consective sampling method, a descriptive study was conducted on 138 women attending health services in Birjand , and seeking termination of an unwanted pregnancy .The cases were interviewed by the use of a questionnaire.Analysis included frequencies and descriptive presentation of major variables. Findings: The two most common birth control methods were condom and coitus interruptus(88.4 and 10.2 respectively ). 50.7% had negative attitude toward subsequent childbirth. 1.4% did not use any contraceptive method, and 47.9% had positive attitude toward subsequent childbirth, but sought termination of unwanted pregnancy to lengthen the time between births. Conclusion: Couples who wish to lengthen the time between births but use high risk contraceptive methods such as condom or coitus interrupts might face unwanted pregnancies.