Galvin LJ, Nel YM. Contraceptive use in women with mental illness in Soweto, South Africa.
S Afr J Psychiatr 2024;
30:2153. [PMID:
38322177 PMCID:
PMC10839196 DOI:
10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v30i0.2153]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background
The psychosocial and medical implications of unplanned pregnancy in women with mental illness (MI) are vast. International guidelines make clear recommendations about family planning for women with MI, particularly those exposed to known human teratogens; however, there is limited research related to contraceptive usage among women with MI.
Aim
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of consistent contraceptive use and family planning education (FPE) among a population of women of childbearing age with MI.
Setting
This quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at Chris Hani Baragwanath psychiatric unit in Soweto, South Africa.
Methods
A convenience sample comprising 190 eligible women of childbearing age with MI was employed for the study. The women were invited to participate by means of a structured questionnaire which was administered by the researcher. Clinical information was obtained from the patients' medical records.
Results
Consistent contraceptive usage occurred in 44.7% of participants. Family planning education was low (26.8%). Relationship status was associated with using contraception consistently (p = 0.0229). Teratogen exposure was not associated with either contraceptive use or FPE. Family planning education was not associated with contraceptive use.
Conclusion
Women with MI may have increased risk for unplanned pregnancy if they are not in a relationship because of perceived lack of need for contraception.
Contribution
Family planning education must be prioritised in women with MI, especially among women prescribed teratogenic medication, highlighting the risks associated with unplanned pregnancy.
Collapse