Contraceptive Practices in Women With Medical Conditions in the Clinics at the University Hospital of the West Indies [3G]

INTRODUCTION: Women with medical comorbidities should optimize their health prior to conception with the consistent use of effective contraceptives. The objective of this study is to assess the contraceptive use among women with chronic diseases at the University Hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done among 260 participants identified from the medical clinics at the University Hospital, with an interviewer-administrated questionnaire. Candidates were recruited by convenience sampling and those who fit the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for data management and statistical analysis. RESULTS: The majority of the patients (200, 76.9%) were between 25-45 years old, employed (114, 43.9%), single (107, 41.2%), nulliparous (24,12.3%) and sexually active (176, 67.7%). Ten persons were pregnant however, only 3 (30%) were planned. The largest representation were in women with Systemic Lupus Erythematous (50, 19.2%), Diabetes Mellitus (48, 18.5%) and Hypertension (45, 17.5%), with the least among those receiving chemotherapy (7, 2.7%). 161 (62%) of the participants were currently using contraceptives. The methods included barrier methods (117, 45%) and oral contraceptive methods (36, 14%). Individuals with sickle cell disease were more likely to be using contraceptives (r=8.14, p=.004). Only 26 (10%) of patients used long acting reversible contraceptives CONCLUSION: Most women with chronic medical illness at the clinics at the University hospital reported current contraceptive use. Mainly short-term methods were used compared to the preferred long acting reversible counterparts. Greater efforts should be made in offering long-term contraception to women with chronic medical disorders.