The characteristics of the patients who applied to the Family Planning
division of a university clinic in Turkey
D. Öztürk (1), A. Gezer (2), N.
Erkan (1), E. Karamanoglu (3)
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Cerrahpas¸a
School of Medicine, Istanbul University, Turkey (1); Gynecology and Obstetric
Department, Turkey (2); Head nurse of Gynecology and Obstetric Department,
Director of Turkish Midwifery Association, Turkey (3)
Objective: The aim of this
study is to investigate the characteristics of the patients who applied to the
family planning division.
Design and Method: The records of the all patients who
applied to Family Planning Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of
Cerrahpas¸a School of Medicine of Istanbul University between 1999 and 2002
were reviewed. The demographical data of the patients were evaluated with the
purpose of revealing the characteristics of these patients.
Results: During the
study period, 1296 patients applied in family planning division of our clinic.
The mean age of the patients was 32.1 years. When the educational status was
evaluated, 3.2 % was illiterate and only 20.1% had a university degree. The mean
number of pregnancy was 2.6 and 34.3% of the patients experienced at least one
dilatation and curettage. When the outcome of the last pregnancy was analyzed,
it was found that the rate of curettage was 12.5 % in these patients. When
births were excluded, the rate of curettage increased to 29.5%. When the
contraceptive method of choice in the last 3 months was investigated, 49.0 % was
found to exercise coitus interraptus and 1.3% was using timely intercourse. The
dilatation and curettage rates were almost to times higher in the patients 35
and older (19.5% versus 9.8%) (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The rates of application
of the effective contraceptive methods have been insufficient in Turkey. The
patient education is still one of the major key points in the contraception
issue in Turkey.
