Prevalence and dynamics of contraceptive use by type during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from Western Iran.

Contraception represents a deliberate choice made by individuals, both men and women, to regulate their desired number of children. The primary objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and predictors of contraceptive use, while also exploring the shifts in contraception methods following the COVID-19 pandemic. This study employed a quantitative approach with a survey technique. The survey was conducted in Kermanshah, one of Iran's metropolises located in the western part of the country. The sampling methodology employed in this study involved a combination of multi-stage classification and systematic random methods. The survey took place between July and August 2022. The target population for the survey included women between the ages of 15 and 49. A total of 600 women from this population were selected and included in the survey sample. The sample was described using frequency tables, as well as central and dispersion indices (mean and standard deviation). Additionally, multivariate analysis was conducted through the application of logistic regression. Findings pointed out that approximately 65% of the women in the sample utilized contraception methods. Among these methods, the condom and oral pill were found to be the most prevalent choices. Moreover, the findings indicated that an increase in the number of both living and ideal children was associated with a decreased likelihood of contraceptive use. Following the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an observed increase in the utilization of traditional and natural methods of contraception. This shift highlights the importance of considering a broader range of contraceptive options and not solely focusing on restricting contraception services. In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, women turned to traditional contraceptives, which may increase the risk of unintended pregnancies and subsequent miscarriages. Therefore, providing in-person services to women at their place of residence is necessary during epidemics.

The relationship between fertility knowledge and unintended pregnancy: a survey among women of reproductive age in Shiraz, Iran.

Unintended pregnancy poses significant health risks for mothers, often leading to induced abortions. Understanding fertility is crucial when it comes to predicting the likelihood of unintended pregnancy. This study employed a quantitative research approach, utilizing a survey method. The survey was conducted in 2022 and involved 1065 married women aged 15-49 residing in Shiraz. The data collection process involved the administration of a standardized questionnaire. The sampling process utilized a combination of multi-stage classification and systematic random methods. The analysis of variable associations demonstrated a significant positive correlation between fertility knowledge, age, husband's age, duration of marriage, and monthly income variables with the proportion of unintended pregnancies. It was observed that higher levels of education among both women and their husbands were associated with a lower proportion of unintended pregnancies. Additionally, employed women exhibited a significantly lower proportion of unintended pregnancies compared to non-employed women. The logistic regression analysis further confirmed that fertility knowledge and monthly income exerted a significant reverse influence on the likelihood of experiencing an unintended pregnancy. Lack of awareness regarding fertility knowledge among women can contribute to the occurrence of unintended pregnancies. Unintended pregnancies, in turn, can pose potential health risks for women.

Women's fertility knowledge and their number of children ever born: A cross-sectional study in Shiraz, Iran.

Background and Aims: Remarkable changes in the demographic behaviors of Iranian women have led to declining fertility since the 1980s. Therefore, the study of fertility has become very important. Iranian policy makers are developing new population policies. Because fertility knowledge influences women's childbearing, the purpose of this study was to look into the relationship between women's fertility knowledge and the total number of children born. Methods: A cross-sectional design and a survey were used in this investigation. In 2022, 1065 married women of reproductive age in Shiraz were surveyed. The data was collected using a standard questionnaire and multistage clustering sampling. The interviewers were first given the necessary training. At the time of the survey, the interviewers first gave information about the research to the surveyed women to gain their trust. To analyze the data, the characteristics of women were described first, and then the relationships between the variables were examined using correlation tests. Results: Increasing women's fertility knowledge reduced the number of children. Women's actual fertility had increased in tandem with their ideal fertility. The number of children increased as women's ages and the ages of their husbands grew older. Increased women's education resulted in a decrease in the number of children. Women with employed husbands had more children than their other counterparts. Women with middle class identity had lower fertility than women who belonged to the lower class. Conclusion: In confirmation of the findings of previous studies, the low level of fertility knowledge, especially in the issue of factors affecting infertility, was the most important finding of this research. This study, in continuation of previous studies, showed the decreasing effect of fertility knowledge of the number of children. Regarding the low fertility knowledge of women, population and health policies should consider improving women's knowledge of fertility.