Reproductive health and family planning trainings: Analysis of
data on conscripts who were born in Eastern region of Turkey
A. Akyuz1, B.
Bakir2, S. Gungor3, E. Gocgeldi2, C.H. Acikel2, T. Kaya1, M. Hasde2
1Gulhane Military
Medical Academy, School of Nursery, Ankara, Turkey, 2Gulhane Military Medical
Academy, Department of Public Health, Ankara, Turkey, 3Gulhane Military Medical Academy,
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Ankara, Turkey
Background The 2003 Turkey
Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS-2003) pointed out significant differences
between East Anatolia and the other regions of Turkey. In the frame of
Reproductive Health Program of Turkish Armed Forces, 67,546 conscripts born in
Eastern Anatolia region have been given one-day reproductive health courses by
the field military medical trainers in all military garrisons between April 2004
and January 2006. This study has aimed to determine certain characteristics of
these conscripts and their status regarding reproductive health training.
Methods Pre- and post-test knowledge levels of conscripts were tested by 25
true-false type questions. Demographic characteristics and test scores were
routinely transferred from 580 training rooms to reproductive health database by
authorized field trainers using network of the army. Data selection has revealed
that 67.546 conscripts with perfect entrance of data were born in Eastern
Anatolia.
Results Of all conscripts who were born in Eastern Region of Turkey,
47.4% were born in Southeast Anatolia. Primary school graduates have constituted
the largest group with 40.5% and the proportion of those uneducated has been
remarkable with 12.2%. The proportion of married soldiers was 8.6%. Mean
pre-course score was 63.2% ± 15.7, while post-course score was 81.4 ± SD=13.8
(p<0.001). Among soldiers who were born in Eastern region of Turkey, 26% (17.325) used to reside in the other regions before the onset of their military service. Comparing the scores of both pretest and post test between those who were born and still lived in East region (62.3 and 65.7 respectively) and those who were born but not lived in East Region (80.8 and 83.3 respectively) have revealed significant differences (p<0.001).
Conclusion Living in Eastern
region of Turkey influences seems to have negative impacts on knowledge levels
of conscripts about reproductive health issues. Lower educational level seems to
be a major underlying factor of the situation.