Reasons for Not Using Family Planning Methods in Eastern Turkey

Abstract

Objective The reasons for not using family planning methods among women aged 15-45 years were investigated in the Eastern region of Turkey. Methods A total of 518 randomly selected women were interviewed with a questionnaire. Information was collected on women's fertility behavior and intentions, sources of knowledge and practice of contraception and sociodemographic characteristics. Results The rate of women who were not using any form of family planning was 45.2%. The reasons for not using any form of family planning were: not having the approval of the husband or family leaders (38%); believing that it was a sin to use a family planning method (32.5%); believing that it could cause abnormal bleeding (14.1%); believing that it could cause infertility (7.3%); believing that it could cause cancer (4.7%); and believing that it could cause pelvic pain (3.4%). Conclusion Efforts should be directed towards education of family members and religious leaders to increase the usage of family planning methods.