Factors Affecting Contraceptive Choice and Discontinuation Among Married Women in Iraqi Kurdistan

Fertility control has been used for thousands of years in a variety of ways. Women need to use contraceptive methods correctly to reduce unintended pregnancies and maternal mortality. The purpose of this research was to determine the factors that have an impact on the use of contraception in our community.

During the time period of December 2021 to April 2022, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in primary healthcare centers in the city of Duhok, which is located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. A total of 400 married women between the ages of 18-45 years were studied. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, obstetrical history, contraceptive methods used, deciding factors, and discontinuation were obtained from respondents. The statistical calculations were performed in John's Macintosh Project (JMP project, version 14.3.0, Apple Macintosh. USA).

Out of 400 women, 269 (67.25%) were aged 18-34, 106 (26.50%) completed primary education, and 204 (51.00%) desired to conceive. The most frequently used method was withdrawal 257 (64.25%), followed by oral contraceptive pills 43 (10.75%), Intrauterine contraceptive devices 39 (9.75%), and male condoms 35 (8.75%). For the purpose of becoming pregnant, 256 (64.00%) women stopped using contraceptives. Most of the failure rates were seen among withdrawal users, which recorded 77 (19.25%), and those who experienced side effects were 42 (10.50%).

In every district of Dohuk, there is a need for comprehensive, easily accessible, client-centered, and modern family planning services. Educational program is requested to improve the behavior and attitude toward family control.