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.