Contraceptive practices during the presumed month of conception among Ukrainian women with unintended pregnancies who underwent induced abortion

Study objectives: To identify contraceptive practices used during the presumed month of conception among Ukrainian women with unintended pregnancies who underwent induced abortion. Additionally, to analyze the association between women's socio-demographic characteristics and contraception used during the presumed month of conception.

Participants/Methods: Survey was administered through face-to-face interviews with women who opted for induced abortion (N=200) in Kyiv (Ukraine) district hospital between March-May 2009. Statistical analysis includes descriptive statistics and Chi-square procedures.

Principal Findings: Of the 200 participants, fifty women (25%) indicated contraceptive use during the presumed month of conception. Significant association between contraception use and participant's age was revealed (chisq=7.56, p = 0.002). Older participants were more likely to use any contraception to prevent unintended pregnancy. Research revealed a significant correlation between type of contraception used during presumed month of conception and participant's age (chisq=6.77, p = 0.001). Participants from the first age group (15-24 years) used condoms (30%) and coitus interruptus (67%). Women from the second age group (25-34 years) mostly relied on natural methods (47%) and coitus interruptus (35%). Use of highly effective methods was more common in the third age group (≥ 35 years), in which 34% of participants used oral contraceptives. Significant association between family status and use of contraception at the presumed month of conception was revealed (chisq=45.56, p = 0.001).

Conclusions: Contraceptive practice pattern vary depending on women's socio-demographic characteristics. Healthcare providers should design pre- and post- abortion counseling programs to address the different socio-demographic characteristics of women who eventually choose induced abortion.