Necessity of Education for Oral Contraceptive Use in Korea: Results from the Fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2009

Abstract

Background/Aims: To compare the prevalence of contraindications to oral contraceptive (OC) use between OC users and nonusers and to identify high-risk groups related to contraindications to OC use among OC users. Methods: This health-interview survey is part of the Fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2009. Of 13,561 women who participated in the survey, 672 were OC users and 3,720 were OC nonusers. The adjusted proportions of contraindications to OC use were measured according to the current OC use status. Factors associated with contraindications to OC use among OC users were identified using multivariate analysis. Results: The prevalence of contraindications to OC use was higher in OC users than in OC nonusers (12.6 vs. 7.8%, p < 0.001). The adjusted proportion of women who were smokers and aged ≥35 years was greater in OC users than in OC nonusers (5.8 vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001). Among OC users, the 40-50 age group, lower education level, and a BMI ≥25 had higher odds of having contraindications. Conclusion: Education programs for OC use are urgently required to improve knowledge about correct use of and contraindications to OC use.

Postoperative Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System Insertion After Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Treatment for Preventing Endometriotic Cyst Recurrence: A Prospective Observational Study

“…However, many Koreans are reluctant to take hormonal pills for a long duration, and they tend to show deteriorating compliance to treatment because of cultural bias against OCs. 11,12 Therefore, there is a need for another long-term hormonal treatment that can be maintained with better patient compliance.…”

Acceptance and Continuation of Contraceptive Methods Immediate Postabortion

“…These results suggest that although preabortion counseling can improve COC use in the immediate postabortion period, it does not improve the continued use rate. A study in Korea showed that education programs for COC use are necessary to improve knowledge about the correct use of COCs and their contraindications [25] . A systematic review by Halpern et al [26] indicated that a combination of intensive counseling and multiple contacts and reminders during follow-up may be needed to improve adherence and acceptability of COC use.…”

Recent trends in contraceptive use among Korean adolescents: Results from a nationwide survey from year 2013 to 2015

“…Because girls who get pregnant commonly undergo an induced abortion or leave school, contraception in adolescents should be addressed with high priority. Nevertheless, there have been very few studies evaluating the status of contraceptive use during adolescence in Korea [56], which is an important process in order to develop interventions for enhancing contraceptive use among adolescents.…”