Gynecology and Obstetrics Residents' Knowledge of Hormonal Contraception in Special Situations

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge of gynecology and obstetrics residents about hormonal contraception in special situations, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guide Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use. Method: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study, in which a questionnaire was administered to resident doctors in Gynecology and Obstetrics at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia Foundation in Pará, who were divided according to their year of residency (R1, R2 and R3). Data was collected in a virtual environment using a questionnaire on the Google forms platform. Results: All 57 (100%) of the medical residents participated in the survey, 50 (87.7%) of whom were female, aged between 18 and 29 (61.4%), in their first or second year of residency (35.0% each year). As for the percentage of correct answers per year of residency, it was clear that the first year had the highest rates of correct answers for all contraceptive methods (7.0%), and when analyzing which residents had corrected at least one method in isolation, the second year had the highest number of correct answers (28.0%), although there was no statistical difference in relation to the year of residency and the number of correct answers. When assessing the overall number of correct answers, it was found that the residents were at least aware of some of the main contraceptive methods. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that residents' objective and perceived levels of knowledge regarding the prescription of contraceptives in special situations were insufficient. Thus, the results show the need for medical training when prescribing these drugs.