Article Text
Abstract
Background and objective Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) are an important method to reduce unmet need for family planning and for prevention of unintended pregnancy. However, IUD use in Malaysia is still low. Doctors play a major role in influencing IUD uptake among women. This study was designed to evaluate doctors’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards IUDs and factors associated with their current practice.
Methods A questionnaire was mailed to public and private contraceptive providers who practise in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Results A total of 400 doctors were invited and 240 (60%) of them responded to the survey. Of the respondents, 161 (65.9%) were from the public or government sector and 89 (34.1%) were from the private sector. The knowledge score of doctors was classed as ’average', and correlated well with their previous training level, working position, number of patients seen in a week and number of contraceptive methods available in their facilities. The age, gender, working duration, availability of IUDs in the premises and number of IUD insertions in a month were not statistically associated with the providers’ knowledge. The use of IUDs was low, especially among private doctors, and was significantly related to their knowledge of the method. Knowledge scores, perception and practice were significantly lower in the private sector.
- doctors
- Iud
- contraceptive provider
- knowledge and attitude
- contraceptive practice
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Footnotes
Contributors NS was responsible for data collection and analysis in this study. CKT was involved in the study design and final manuscript writing. MAA was involved in the study design. AKAK was involved in the study design and final review of the manuscript.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent Not required.
Ethics approval Confidentiality and anonymity were assured by the use of a coded system for the questionnaires and also during data analysis. This information was only accessible to the researchers. This study was approved by the UKM Research Ethics Committee.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.
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