OBJECTIVE: In Greece, modern contraceptive methods are used on a limited scale. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge as well as the practice of contraception among female medical students in Greece. STUDY DESIGN: Knowledge and practice of contraception of 102 female graduating medical students were assessed with a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire. RESULTS: Most students were using condoms as the only contraceptive method (45.1%) and 16.7% were not applying any contraceptive method at all. Oral contraceptives were used as only contraceptive means by 4.9% of the students and in combination with condoms by another 4.9%. Condoms were thought to be the most effective contraceptive method available by 28.4% of the students, whereas 4.9% responded that they did not consider any contraceptive method to be effective. Only 55.9% of the students had ever asked their gynaecologist about contraception. CONCLUSION: Much more time should be spent in teaching contraception in the Greek medical schools to ensure the delivery of adequate family planning guidance by future practitioners.
OBJECTIVE: In Greece, modern contraceptive methods are used on a limited scale. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge as well as the practice of contraception among female medical students in Greece. STUDY DESIGN: Knowledge and practice of contraception of 102 female graduating medical students were assessed with a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire. RESULTS: Most students were using condoms as the only contraceptive method (45.1%) and 16.7% were not applying any contraceptive method at all. Oral contraceptives were used as only contraceptive means by 4.9% of the students and in combination with condoms by another 4.9%. Condoms were thought to be the most effective contraceptive method available by 28.4% of the students, whereas 4.9% responded that they did not consider any contraceptive method to be effective. Only 55.9% of the students had ever asked their gynaecologist about contraception. CONCLUSION: Much more time should be spent in teaching contraception in the Greek medical schools to ensure the delivery of adequate family planning guidance by future practitioners.