Use and Perception of Contraception among Genders in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of contraception in the Dominican Republic is among the highest of Latin American countries. Prior research has assessed the general perception of contraception in Latin America, examined determinants of contraceptive use among Dominican women, and explored their perceived reproductive control. Little research has explored the specific role each sexual partner, male and female, has in determining the use of contraception in Latin American countries. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to address the gap in research regarding the specific role each sexual partner has in determining the contraception use in Latin American countries by evaluating male and female perception and use of contraception, and their perceived reproductive control. METHODS: A one-time survey was administered to adult patients of two short-term medical missions located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The difference in overall responses to dichotomous questions and ordinal questions were tested using binomial Z-test and nonparametric Chi-Square Goodness-of-Fit test. Bivariate analyses were conducted using cross tabulation with Chi-Square test. FINDINGS: The majority of participants of both genders are in favor of contraception use, believe they have the power to avoid an unplanned pregnancy, and view their partners’ wishes regarding the use of contraception as important. However, significantly more females than males are in favor of contraception use (p-value = 0.01). Specific subgroups of men and women answered the survey in ways that suggest traditional values may be at odds with individuals’ willingness to use contraception. CONCLUSIONS: There is an overall acceptance of contraception use and perception of reproductive control among both genders in our population, with a greater proportion of females in favor of contraception use than males (p-value = 0.01). Changing cultural norms may be coming into conflict with established beliefs and practices in the Dominican Republic, such as its machismo culture.