RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Myths and misconceptions about intrauterine contraception among women seeking termination of pregnancy
JF Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care
JO J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP 36
OP 40
DO 10.1136/jfprhc-2012-100497
VO 40
IS 1
A1 Lucy Michie
A1 Sharon T Cameron
A1 Anna Glasier
A1 Kaye Wellings
A1 Joanna Loudon
YR 2014
UL http://jfprhc.bmj.com/content/40/1/36.abstract
AB Background Immediate initiation of an intrauterine device (IUD) or intrauterine system (IUS) following termination of pregnancy (TOP) is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of another TOP. In spite of its high efficacy, uptake of intrauterine contraception in the UK is low. Myths and misconceptions about the method may contribute to the low uptake. Study design Anonymous, self-administered questionnaire among women requesting a TOP in a hospital abortion service in Scotland, UK. Methods Misconceptions about intrauterine contraception were extracted from an online social networking and micro-blogging service, and from existing research to develop a questionnaire containing 12 negative statements about intrauterine contraception. Respondents indicated their level of agreement with each statement. Results A total of 106/125 (85%) women requesting a TOP completed the questionnaire. The two commonest negative statements that respondents agreed with were that the IUD/IUS ‘Is painful to have inserted’ (n=36; 34%) and that ‘It can move around inside your body’ (n=25; 23.6%). The range of women who neither agreed nor disagreed with negative statements was 26.4–56.0%. Twenty-seven (25%) women indicated that the IUD/IUS was their planned method of post-TOP contraception. Conclusions Although myths about intrauterine contraception persist among a small proportion of women requesting a TOP, lack of knowledge about the method is also evident. The consultation prior to TOP is an important opportunity to provide accurate and quality information to women about the IUD/IUS that may serve to increase uptake and prevent repeat abortions.