Contraceptive Health Services Provided in the Region of Van During 1998

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to asses the health services provided for contraception in the center of Van during 1998. Study design: The health services provided for contraception during 1998 was studied retrospectively by collecting data from Yuzuncu Yil University Faculty of Medicine Research Hospital, Maternal and Children Health-Family Planning Center, Maternal Hospital of Van, Family Planning Center of Social Security Services Hospital and Obstetric and Gynecology Department of the Military Hospital. Results: According to data collected from the health centers, the services for contraception were given to a total of 2535 couples. Oral contraceptives and condom were used by 461 (18.2%) and 221 (8.72%) couples respectively. Long acting injectable hormone contraceptive was given to 456 (18%) couples. Four hundred and twenty five of them started to use this method one year before (in 1997), whereas only 31 women started to use it in 1998. Intrauterine devices (IUD's) and tubal ligation were applied to 946 (37.3%) and 237 (35.1%) women, respectively. There was only one vasectomy operation which was performed in Yuzuncu Yil University Faculty of Medicine. Dilatation and curettage was performed to 165 (6.51%) women for pregnancy termination and in our opinion more than that rate was performed in private offices. Conclusion: Only 19.31% of women who need contraception admitted to health centers for information. From this point view, a more wide spread health service for contraception is warrented. In our region, due to increased rate of grand multiparities and difficulties in readmitting to health personel tubal ligation must be encouraged as a contraception method. Long acting injectable hormonal contraception and IUD should also become one of the first choices of contraception.