The level of using family planning methods and factors that influence the preference of methods in the Konya-Meram area

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of contraceptive method use and factors that influence the preference of method among women of reproductive age that live in Meram, the central district of Konya. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Parameters such as age, duration of marriage, number of pregnancies and births, socioeconomic status, education level, and preferred contraceptive method of women who presented to the family planning outpatient clinic of our hospital over a five-year period between January 1st, 2010, and December 31st, 2015, were recorded and evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the women was identified as 31.57±8.14 years, the mean duration of marriage was 10.3±8.14 years, the mean number of births was 1.92±1.01, and the mean number of children was 1.83±0.90. Among the women in the study group, 65% were high school graduates, 88.92% had social security, and 82.84% were in the middle-income group according to their financial status. Only 31 patients were not married officially. It was observed that the most preferred method was intrauterine device (IUD), and the least preferred method was subcutaneous implant (SI). The use of IUD, oral contraceptives, and SI increased as the socioeconomic status and educational level improved (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: To ensure that women of reproductive age use effective family planning methods, the education levels and socioeconomic status of women must be improved.