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Contraceptive counselling and social representations: a qualitative study
F Bianchi-Demicheli1, E Perrin, A Dupanloup
1Psychosomatic Gynaecology and Sexology Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland. Francesco.bianchi-demicheli@hcuge.ch
Swiss Medical Weekly
|April 25, 2006
Summary
Healthcare professionals
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Medical Sociology
- Healthcare Professional Training
Background:
- Contraceptive use is complex, influenced by user behavior.
- Understanding healthcare professionals' views is crucial due to their impact on patient choices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the social representations of healthcare professionals regarding contraception.
- To analyze how these representations influence contraceptive counseling and user behavior.
Main Methods:
- Individual in-depth interviews conducted with 65 healthcare professionals.
- Participants were from a Swiss maternity unit, providing contraceptive advice.
Main Results:
- 83% of professionals favored contraception but were critical of practical efficacy.
- Commonly cited methods included oral contraceptive pills, male condoms, IUDs, and implants.
- Personal experience, rather than scientific knowledge, significantly shaped professional opinions and method recommendations.
Conclusions:
- Counselors' social representations are significant determinants of user contraceptive behavior.
- Training programs for healthcare professionals should incorporate an understanding of these representations.
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