Contraceptive counseling in Turkey after induced abortion

To determine the effectiveness of post-abortion contraceptive counseling to women with unwanted pregnancy and to investigate use of modern contraceptive methods among Turkish women.

A prospective case-control study was conducted at 3 Turkish centers between March 23, 2008, and January 10, 2011. A total of 333 women enrolled in the study were divided into 2 groups. Women in group 1 (n=140) presented with unwanted pregnancy requiring induced abortion whereas women in group 2 (n=193) had requested contraception counseling.

The use of coitus interruptus or condoms was significantly more frequent in group 1 than in group 2 (P<0.001). No statistically significant differences were detected between the 2 groups in their use of oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, injection methods, calendar methods, and other methods. The education level attained by women in group 1 was lower than that of women in group 2 (P=0.041).

Increased effort is required to ensure that sufficient education about family planning is provided to Turkish women for the prevention of unwanted pregnancies and induced abortions.