Attitudes of Czech and Slovak gynecologists toward family planning

A survey was held among 155 gynecologists of the former Czech and Slovak Federal Republic (CSFR) who visited a national gynecological congress. The sample was fairly comparable to the total group of Czech and Slovak gynecologists concerning sex, age and county. Questions were asked on personal and professional characteristics, experience with the provision of contraception, attitudes toward family planning and knowledge about contraception. Almost all gynecologists rejected abortion as a birth control method and mentioned the lack of sex education, non-use of contraception and the widespread use of traditional contraceptive methods as main reasons for the high prevalence of abortion. About 60% of the physicians thought that at least some women would rather have an abortion than use contraception. According to the physicians, special family planning services should be developed and delivered by gynecologists. Opinions on proper services for teenagers varied. Only a few physicians felt that patients should pay the full price of contraceptives. Physicians' knowledge about the pill was found to be insufficient. The physicians overestimated the knowledge of their female patients about the pill. Apart from books and journals, colleagues and pharmaceutical firms were reported as important information sources. Overall, the present survey showed that introduction of well structured pre- and postgraduate courses in family planning should be encouraged.