Use of family planning methods by women in the municipality of Nis (Serbia)

The use of family planning methods reduces maternal mortality, prevents unwanted and high-risk pregnancies, the need for (un)safe abortion and protects from sexually transmitted diseases. The objective of the study was to assess the use of family planning methods by women in the municipality of Nis. We applied an observational cohort study that included 1,584 women age 15–49 who lived in the municipality of Nis. Data was collected through the opinion poll examination, which took place in the municipality of Nis from February to September 2002. We found 81.9% of interviewees having sexual relations protect themselves from unwanted pregnancy permanently or occasionally; 18.1% do not. Of interviewees who do not use protection and have sexual relations, 28.1% think it harms health and 27.7% think it is unsafe. Among women who use contraceptive protection, 57.9% use traditional (unsafe) methods while 42.1% use modern methods. Interviewees who use contraception mostly choose a particular method of their own accord without consultation (52.9%); 58.2% estimate their method of contraception as partly safe, 6.8% as unsafe and 35% as completely safe. As to the reason for contraception use, 40.4% state they already have their preferred number of children, 22.4% use contraception for health reasons, 17% because they are not married, 7.6% because of poor economic condition, and other reasons are present in significantly lesser percentages. Of the interviewees, 29.3% had intentionally interrupted pregnancies. The use of family planning methods is unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is necessary to promptly begin promoting protection of reproductive health and the use of modern family planning methods as a part of the nurturing of healthy lifestyles.