Attitudes towards and knowledge about intrauterine contraceptive devices among women in the reproductive age group in a resource-constrained setting

Abstract

Background. One of the strategies to reduce maternal mortality includes accessible and appropriate contraceptive services to all women. The intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) has been identified as a cheap and effective means of contraception by the South African National Department of Health. Objective. To explore knowledge about the IUCD among women using the public health sector and identify any misconceptions. Methods. A sample of 150 women attending antenatal/postnatal clinics were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Results. Forty-six percent (n=69) had some experience with the injectable form of contraception, and 2.7% (n=4) had used the IUCD; 70.7% (n=106) knew that the device does not prevent HIV transmission, 40.7% (n=61) knew that HIV-positive women can use the IUCD, 75.3% (n=113) believed that the IUCD causes heavy bleeding, 36.7% (n=55) knew that the device does not stop fertility indefinitely, 33.3% (n=50) knew that the IUCD can be inserted in the immediate postpartum period, and 26.7% (n=40) knew that the duration of use is 10 years. In terms of attitudes, 40.0% (n=60) expressed concern about the pain during insertion, 33.3% (n=50) believed the IUCD can cause cancer, and 32.0% (n=48) believed that the device interferes with normal sexual activity. Most participants 77.3% (n=116) acquired the information they had about the IUCD from the clinic during teaching and counselling sessions. Conclusion. This survey documented poor knowledge about the IUCD among women using the public health sector. However, the fact that there are few misconceptions and that clients rely on the clinic information should be seen as an opportunity to improve the situation.

Barriers and Enablers Influencing Women's Adoption and Continuation of Vaginally Inserted Contraceptive Methods: A Literature Review

“…2018; Khatri et al. 2019; Bulto, Zewdie, and Beyen 2014; Dereje, Engida, and Holland 2020; Monji Builu and Naidoo 2015; Khan and Shaikh 2013) and their partners (Shapiro 2016; Gottert et al. 2015; Huber‐Krum et al.…”

“…2020; Robinson et al. 2016; Monji Builu and Naidoo 2015; Van Zijl, Morroni, and Van Der Spuy 2010; Luo et al. 2018; Kathpalia and Mustafa 2015; Khatri et al.…”

Use of postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device among women in northern Uganda: A cross‐sectional study

“…One study conducted in South Africa found the majority of women fear the pain associated with PPIUCD insertion and are concerned that PPIUCD interferes with normal sexual activity. 24 Sunanda and Sudha 25 contend that fear of pain, bleeding, development of cancer and increased body weight deter women from using IUCD. Similarly, these issues were raised as reasons for the nonuse of PPIUCD in this study.…”

“…Contraceptive‐related side effects are a major concern among women as reported in this study (reasons for none use of PPICD). One study conducted in South Africa found the majority of women fear the pain associated with PPIUCD insertion and are concerned that PPIUCD interferes with normal sexual activity 24 . Sunanda and Sudha 25 contend that fear of pain, bleeding, development of cancer and increased body weight deter women from using IUCD.…”

Knowledge, beliefs and practices of nurses with long-acting reversible contraception, Cape Town

“… 7 In South Africa, short-acting contraceptives such as condoms, injectables and oral contraception take preference as the choice of contraception among women of childbearing age. 1 , 8 , 9 The Implanon and the copper IUCD are the two forms of LARC that are available in the primary health care (PHC) setting in South Africa.…”