Satisfaction among women: Differences between current users of barrier (male condom) and non-barrier methods

Objectives To determine the differences in and factors related to satisfaction between barrier (male condom) and non-barrier method users.

Methods A semi-structured questionnaire was used for collecting data for this cross-sectional survey. The questionnaires were completed via one-on-one interviews by the researchers. The study group was selected using stratified random sampling. Exclusion criteria were, being unmarried, pregnant, in postmenopausal status and using traditional methods. A total of 434 currently married women using modern contraceptive methods participated in the study. Contraceptive users were dichotomized into two groups as non-barrier method users and barrier method users.

Results About half of the participants (n = 191, 44%) were barrier method users. Their mean age was 33.7 ± 7.3 years, 66.6% (n = 131) were well educated and reported significantly less pregnancies, given births, living children and abortions (reproductive history events) than non-barrier users. Barrier method users were significantly more likely to be satisfied with their contraceptive method of choice (OR: 2.4; 95% CI 1.2–5.2). Among barrier method users, deciding the type of the contraceptive method themselves had significant effect on satisfaction.

Conclusion In our study, satisfaction was mostly affected by heavy side effects and health risks of the methods resulting in less satisfaction with the contraceptive method among non-barrier method users. Other factors which may influence satisfaction deserve further investigation.