Perception of efficacy and safety as determinants for use and discontinuation of birth control methods in Muslim Jordanian women

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to identify the perceptions of working Muslim Jordanian women regarding the efficacy and safety of their contraceptive methods, and whether these perceptions affected method choice or discontinuation. METHODS: A prospective study on 207 married working women of reproductive age was conducted between March and June 2002. RESULTS: The majority of women were using an intrauterine device (IUD), fewer were using traditional methods and oral contraceptive pills. Effectiveness was the main reason for choosing IUD and pill methods, while concerns about safety were the main reason for discontinuation. Safety was the main reason for choosing traditional methods and poor efficacy was the reason for discontinuation. CONCLUSION: Health-care professionals need to increase the use of proper contraceptive methods and compliance by providing counseling services and correcting any misperceptions regarding birth control methods before and during use.