A survey of the attitude of Korean women toward contraceptive use
I.S. Lee, K.Y. Choi, J.J. Lee
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soonchunhyang University, Seoul,
Korea
Objective: A research was conducted on current methods of
contraception used by Korean women. The objective was to find out which methods
of contraception by Korean women are using, any problems they are experiencing,
and which methods they prefer.
Method: Questionnaires were given 1,130 reproductive-age women who
visited Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Seoul, Korea, from January 2000 to
October 2001. Items on the survey included the method and duration of
contraception used, side effects (if any), and level of satisfaction.
Results: The mean age was 35.1+5.9 years and the most common
occupation was that of housewife (68%). The mean parity was 1.7+1.1, and the
mean number of abortions was 0.8+1.5. The mean period of contraception use was
4.6+4.9 years. Condoms were the most common method used (29.0%), followed by
intrauterine device (21.1%), tubal sterilization (13.5%), oral contraceptives
(12.2%), periodic abstinence (9.3%), vasectomy (7.9%), coitus interruptus
(6.4%), and other (12.4%). Among women over 41, sterilization was the most
common method. Condom and oral contraceptives were the most common methods used
by women under 40. Menorrhagia and leukorrhea were the most common side effects
among women who used the intrauterine device. Women who had tubal sterilization
and/or whose husbands had vasectomies were the most satisfied with their method
of contraception.
Conclusion: The most common used contraceptive method reported by
Korean reproductive-age women was the condom. The method of contraception used
in Korea is changing from permanent methods to temporary methods. Therefore more
women need to be educated in the use of condoms, oral contraceptives, and
intrauterine devices.
