Contraceptive among female mental health care users of childbearing age attending Chris Hani Baragwanath academic hospital in soweto

Abstract

Background: Women with mental illness are at increased risk of unplanned pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes for themselves and their offspring. Aim: This study described patterns of contraceptive use, family planning education and contraceptive preferences in female mental health care users of childbearing age at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH), Soweto. The study also aimed to determine associations between demographic and clinical characteristics and contraceptive choices and to assess perceived barriers to contraception. Methods: A convenience sample of 190 women aged 18-49 were recruited from outpatients and inpatients. A structured interview using a questionnaire was administered and diagnosis and treatment were obtained from patients’ files. Results: Consistent contraceptive use was 44.7%. Total contraceptive use was 60%. Family planning education had been done with 26.8% of participants. The commonest reason for not using contraception was not being in a relationship (21.6%). The commonest form of contraception was the male condom and 28.9% participants used barrier methods of contraception. Family planning education (p=0.87) and teratogen use (p=0.56) were not associated with contraceptive utilisation. Positive associations were found between contraceptive use and depression (p=0.0068); and between employment and family planning education (p=0.015) Conclusion: Despite contraceptive use being similar to that of the general South African population, there were low levels of family planning education. Participants may be at risk of teratogen exposure during pregnancy. They may also be at risk of unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections due to inconsistent contraceptive use and low rates of barrier contraception use.