Attitudes and behavior towards contraception among Greek women during reproductive age: a country-wide survey

Objectives: The study objectives were to explore current contraceptive behavior of Greek women during reproductive age. Study design: Data were drawn from a country-wide survey, conducted with the use of a self-administered questionnaire. The sample, numbering 797 women of ages 16-45 years, was representative of the Greek female population of reproductive age. Results: The most common contraceptive method reported was the male condom (MC) (33.9%) followed by coitus interruptus (CI) (28.8%), oral pill (4.8%), and coil (3.6%). Other methods counted for a 5% and no use of contraception reached a 23.8%. Attitudes over responsibility of using contraception were also explored. The majority of respondents (52%) stated that contraception use is the responsibility of men. The probability of reporting that women should be responsible in using contraception was higher in women aged 25-34 years, in those with higher level of knowledge over contraception issues and in those with an experience of abortion. Conclusions: The need for sexual education and easy access to counseling services is apparent in order to promote optimal contraception decision-making. The role of women in taking active responsibility over contraception use should be of great importance in reproductive health promotion projects. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.