Concerns About Contraception and Future Fertility: Prevalence Among Young Individuals and Its Impact on Contraceptive Use and Reproductive Health
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36283/ziun-pjmd14-3/015Keywords:
Family planning, Low socio economics class, Culture and religious factors, Population growthAbstract
Background: Young individuals frequently worry about how birth control will affect their ability to have children in the future, which affects their contraceptive selection decisions. The spread of false information, combined with social traditions, creates barriers to birth control adoption, thus producing unwanted births along with unmet reproductive requirements. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of fear about contraceptive use and fertility changes among young individuals and their impact on their reproductive health.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, between 1st March 2025 to 1st August 2025, among 400 participants aged 18-30 years in Peshawar, Pakistan, using a convenience sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic factors, contraceptive knowledge, and fertility concerns. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with chi-square tests applied to assess associations between variables.
Results: The study found that 141 (52.02%) of married individuals had concerns about contraception affecting fertility, compared to 39 (30%) of unmarried individuals (p = 0.002). Concerns were higher among those who never used contraception 101 (71.1%) versus past users 79 (30.6%) (p < 0.001). Intrauterine device users 21 (52.5%) had the highest concerns, while condom users had the lowest 11(31.4%) (p < 0.05). Myths (p < 0.001), cultural beliefs (p = 0.003), fear of infertility (p < 0.001), and past side effects (p = 0.007) increased concerns, while healthcare provider counseling reduced them (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Misconceptions regarding contraception and fertility are widespread among young individuals in Peshawar, particularly among women and those with lower education levels. Addressing these concerns through targeted educational programs and awareness campaigns is essential to improving contraceptive acceptance and reducing unintended pregnancies.
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