Women's socioeconomic factors associated to the choice of contraceptive method in Spain

Abstract

Objective: To describe the influence of socioeconomic characteristics on the choice of the contraceptive method used among women in Spain in 2006. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of women aged 15-49 who reported the contraceptive method used during the first sexual intercourse (n = 3352) and during the 4 weeks prior to the interview (n = 2672). Data were analyzed taking into account women's socioeconomic characteristics. Results: The mostly used method during the first sexual intercourse was the condom. Women from developing countries more frequently used the pill than native-born Spanish women. The condom was also the most commonly used method in the 4 weeks prior to the interview. The use of other contraceptive methods increased with age. Being older and having children were both associated with an increased use of permanent methods. Conclusions: The choice of a specific contraceptive method seems to be more strongly influenced by women's stage of life than by socioeconomic characteristics. © 2012 SESPAS.