KNOWLEDGE, USE AND CHOICE OF CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS BY A GROUP OF WOMEN AT A BASIC HEALTH UNIT IN TERESÓPOLIS, RJ

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the knowledge, use and choice of contraceptive methods by a group of women ata Basic Health Unit in Teresópolis/RJ. This is a descriptive-exploratory study with 30 women in fertile age that frequently usesa Basic Unit of the Family Health Program in Teresópolis/RJ. To the interviews, a questionnaire that related the socio-economic and gineco-obstetric profile and the knowledge and the use of contraceptives methods was developed. Among theresults, the most relevant was the benefits and harms that each method brings to health. It’s important to notice that 73,4% didnot have any information during either the pregnancy course or prenatal care or gynecology consultations, and that informationand knowledge are acquired from magazines and from friends. We came to the conclusion that nurses will need to payattention to the life story and the socioeconomic and cultural profile of each woman in order to offer a qualified and personalhealth education reinforcing the correct use of contraceptives methods.

Keywords

• Women’s health
• Nursing
• Family planning
• Contraception