Patterns of contraceptive use among Thai women aged ≥40 and at risk of pregnancy

Abstract

Objectives

The aims of the study were to identify the patterns of contraceptive use among Thai women aged ≥40 years and the reasons for not using contraception.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included sexually active women aged 40–49 years in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Information on contraceptive practice and reasons for not using contraception was collected through a self-reported questionnaire. The unmet need for a modern method of contraception and the unmet need for any method of contraception were calculated based on the percentage of participants who were not using contraception but who wanted to postpone or prevent pregnancy.

Results

Of 400 women, 75.5% were currently using some form of contraception, with female sterilisation being the most used (35%). The main reasons for not using contraception included perceived low risk of pregnancy, health concerns, infrequent sexual intercourse and wish to become pregnant. The unmet need for a modern method of contraception was 23.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20%, 0.29%). Having children was a significant protective factor (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.18; 95% CI 0.08, 0.37; p = 0.000). The unmet need for any method of contraception was 12% (95% CI 0.09%, 0.16%). Previous abortion was a significant risk factor for not using any contraception (adjusted OR 2.23; 95% CI 1.12, 4.44; p = 0.022).

Conclusion

Although the use of contraception was common, some participants displayed a lack of knowledge and/or did not practise family planning. Our findings address the importance of improving knowledge about the risks of pregnancy and the need for effective contraception in this population.

摘要

目标：本研究的目的是调查泰国40岁以上女性的避孕方式以及不避孕的原因。

方法：这项横断面研究纳入了泰国孔敬40-49岁的性活跃女性。通过自我问卷收集采取避孕的措施和不使用避孕措施的原因。现代避孕方式需求未满足和任何避孕方式需求未满足是根据参与者中未使用避孕措施但希望推迟或预防怀孕的百分比计算的。

结果：在400名妇女中, 75.5%的人目前正在应用某种形式的避孕措施, 其中女性绝育使用率最高(35%)。不使用避孕措施的主要原因包括认为怀孕风险低、健康问题、性交少和有妊娠意愿。有23.3%其现代避孕方式需求未满足 (95% [CI]0.20%, 0.29%)。有孩子是一个重要的保护因素(调整后的优势比[OR]为0.18；95%可信区间为0.08, 0.37；p＝0.000)。有12%其避孕需求未满足(95%CI: 0.09%, 0.16%)。既往流产是不使用任何避孕措施的重要危险因素(调整后的OR2.23；95%CI1.12, 4.44；p＝0.022)。

结论：虽然避孕措施的应用很普遍, 但也有一些参与者缺乏知识和/或没有实行计划生育。我们的发现说明了提高这些人群对怀孕风险认识的重要性及这些人群实行有效避孕的必要性。

Keywords:

• Family planning
• LARC
• midlife
• unintended pregnancy

Acknowledgements

Our special gratitude goes to Timothy O’Brien (Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA), for assisting in the analysis of the results, and Dylan Southard (Khon Kaen University International College, Khon Kaen, Thailand), for editing this manuscript.

Author contributions

JS, PW, YW and NE contributed to the conception and design of the study and the preparation of manuscript. WS contributed to the editing of the manuscript and approved the final version.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest associated with this manuscript.