Utilization of contraceptives among married women of childbearing age in Tuandao Commune, Sondong District, Bacgiang Province, Vietnam in 2004

The main purpose of the study was to describe the prevalence and identify factors related to contraceptive use among married women of childbearing age in Tuandao commune, Sondong district, Bacgiang province, Vietnam. This cross-sectional study was conducted from 2nd to 28 January, 2004. Four hundred married women of childbearing age were interviewed by using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed based on the study objectives by using a descriptive statistical analysis with SPSS: frequencies, percentage were determined to describe the use of contraceptives; the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents; the attitudes towards Commune Health Center services, accessibility to services, and perceived need of utilization of contraceptives. The Chi-square test was used to determine the relationships between independent and dependent variables. The result showed that the majority of the respondents used contraceptives. Intra-Uterine Devices (IUD) was the predominant methos, followed by condom, female sterilization, withdrawal, oral pill, and periodic abstinence. Other modern methods like injection, Norplant were not applied widely among respondents. Majority of the respondents used the Commune Health Center to obtain contraceptives. Private clinic and drug store were not available in this area. The use of contraceptives was associated with age, fertility, income, information exposure, spousal communication about contraceptives, and perceived need. However, mother in-law or mother communication about contraception, and son preference were associated with low use of contraceptives. This study may assist the authorities to develop appropriate family planning programs for remote areas in Vietnam.