Hormonal contraception--habits and awareness female students of the University of Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia

Abstract

Introduction: Despite a large number of modern contraceptive methods available in the market today, numerous studies have shown insufficient awareness of young women about these forms for birth control. The aim of this study was to compare characteristics of common use of contraceptives as well as the awareness of hormonal contraception among female students of the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Technical Sciences in Novi Sad.

Materials and methods: In the study which was conducted in 2012 240 female students of the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Technical Sciences participated. The average age of students of the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Technical Sciences was 24.06 ± 3.24 and 22.72 ± 0.90 years, respectively. They completed an anonymous questionnaire, which consisted of three parts. The first part comprised general questions, the second part included characteristics of the sexual life of students and their contraceptive habits, while in the third part students were asked to evaluate the accuracy of statements about hormonal contraception. The obtained data were statistically processed by using appropriate methods.

Results: The average age when the students of the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Technical Sciences had the first sexual intercourse was 18.74 ± 2.61 and 18.75 ± 2.59, respectively. One third of students from both faculties (30.91% from the Faculty of Medicine and 35% from the Faculty of Technical Sciences) had only one sexual partner. Modern contraception was used by 83.64% of the medical students and by 80% of those from the Faculty of Technical Sciences. Contraception was used regularly by 54.54% of the medical students and 43% of those from the Faculty of Technical Sciences. The most frequently applied contraceptive method was condom (90% of the medical students and 93% of the Faculty of Technical Sciences students, respectively). Oral contraceptives were used by 24.54% of the medical students and 11% of those from the Faculty of Technical Sciences. There was a statistically significant difference in the knowledge level between the two groups since the medical students gave quantitatively higher range of expected responses than the students from the Faculty of Technical Sciences.

Conclusions: : It is necessary to increase the availability of adequate information on various types of contraception to student population in Vojvodina.

Comment: Time and again we find in our practice that women are not fully aware of the differents methods of family planning, and the pros and cons of each. Here we see that even female students of the medical and technical schools lack basic knowledge. It all starts with open and honest education. (HMV)