Perceptions and Consultation Practice on Contraceptive Methods among Medical Professionals in Latvia.

摘要

Introduction: The abortion rate is still high and usage of the highly effective contraceptive methods is still low by sexually active women in Latvia. Medical professionals can affect women/public opinion and choice regarding contraception.Aim: To investigate knowledge and practice on contraceptive methods among Latvian medical professionals by prospective, cross-sectional survey.Materials aud methods: The structured anonymous questionnaire was distributed during the professional lectures and meetings during March-December, 2010. 708 participants: gynecologists, family doctors and pharmacists were involved. Statistical analysis was done with the MS Excel 2007, SPSS 19, CIA software.Results: The response rate was 42.9%. 93.5% gynecologists, 21.5% family doctors and 29.5% pharmacists reported that consult more than 5 women per month. Gynecologists offered wider contraceptive methods choice than other health care providers. 58.8% pharmacists provided an emergency contraception consultation. 62.7% professionals most frequent offered COC. 25.2% gynecologists responded incorrectly that sperrnicide could prevent STIs. 15% gynecologists, 21.5% family doctors and 23.5% pharmacists believed that sterilization was not reversible contraceptive method. There were some gaps in professionals' knowledge regarding combined hormonal contraception choice limitations in the clinical situations and interaction with other medications. 91.7% of responders agreed that they would like to improve their professional skills.Conclusion: Although gynecologists in Latvia are more experienced and skilled in contraception counseling than family doctors and pharmacists according to study results, we could identify the needs to improve all professionals' knowledge about reliable contraceptive methods.