OBJECTIVE: To investigate contraceptive behavior of women belonging to three different ethnic and/or socioeconomic populations as well as to evaluate the main sources of information concerning contraception in each population. METHODS: 150 Muslim women living in Germany (group A), 120 Muslim women living in Thrace, Greece (group B) and 140 Christian Orthodox women living in Thrace, Greece were enrolled in the study. Attitudes concerning contraceptive practices were assessed by means of a questionnaire. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of each group were compared with the method of contraception used. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Turkey's test, chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The contraceptive pill (41.7%), the condom (35.1%), periodic abstinence (24.4%) and interrupted coitus were the most common methods of contraception. The gynecologist (23.4%), the family consultant (12.0%) and the sexual partner (10.2%) were the most usual sources of information. The use of contraceptive pills was more frequent among Muslims from Germany and Christians from Greece (p < 0.001), while the use of condoms was more frequent among Christians from Greece (p = 0.019). The use of IUDs was more frequent among Muslims from Germany and Greece (p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Our study results reveal that there are behavioral differences between race/ethnic groups and minorities regarding contraceptive practices, probably due to different cultural, socioeconomic and educational factors.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate contraceptive behavior of women belonging to three different ethnic and/or socioeconomic populations as well as to evaluate the main sources of information concerning contraception in each population. METHODS: 150 Muslim women living in Germany (group A), 120 Muslim women living in Thrace, Greece (group B) and 140 Christian Orthodox women living in Thrace, Greece were enrolled in the study. Attitudes concerning contraceptive practices were assessed by means of a questionnaire. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of each group were compared with the method of contraception used. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Turkey's test, chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The contraceptive pill (41.7%), the condom (35.1%), periodic abstinence (24.4%) and interrupted coitus were the most common methods of contraception. The gynecologist (23.4%), the family consultant (12.0%) and the sexual partner (10.2%) were the most usual sources of information. The use of contraceptive pills was more frequent among Muslims from Germany and Christians from Greece (p < 0.001), while the use of condoms was more frequent among Christians from Greece (p = 0.019). The use of IUDs was more frequent among Muslims from Germany and Greece (p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Our study results reveal that there are behavioral differences between race/ethnic groups and minorities regarding contraceptive practices, probably due to different cultural, socioeconomic and educational factors.
Authors: Bianca-Eugenia Ősz; Ruxandra Ștefănescu; Amelia Tero-Vescan; Andreea Sălcudean; Cristina-Diana Boca; George Jîtcă; Camil-Eugen Vari Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-03-28 Impact factor: 3.390