Trends in the use of contraceptive methods and voluntary interruption of pregnancy in the Spanish population during 1997–2007

• Published in: Contraception (Stoneham) Vol. 83; no. 1; pp. 82 - 87
• Main Authors: Dueñas, José Luis, Lete, Iñaki, Bermejo, Rafael, Arbat, Agnès, Pérez-Campos, Ezequiel, Martínez-Salmeán, Javier, Serrano, Isabel, Doval, José Luis, Coll, Carme
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Abortion, Legal - trends; Adolescent; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Birth control; Contraception - trends; Contraceptive methods; Contraceptive trends; Contraceptive use; Female; Genital system. Reproduction; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Induced abortion. Therapeutic abortion; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Pharmacology. Drug treatments; Pregnancy; Spain; Surveys and Questionnaires; Voluntary interruption of pregnancy; Young Adult; Europe; Spain; Contraceptive use; Contraceptive trends; Voluntary interruption of pregnancy; Contraceptive methods; Human; Choice; Attitude; Induced abortion; Contraception; Risk factor; Female; Contraceptive; Woman
• ISSN: 0010-7824; 1879-0518
• DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2010.05.010

Abstract Background This study was designed to acquire information about the use of contraceptive methods in order to reduce the number of elective abortions. Study Design Since 1997, representative samples of Spanish women of childbearing potential (15–49 years) have been surveyed by the Daphne Team every 2 years to gather data of contraceptive methods used. Results During the study period, 1997 to 2007, the overall use of contraceptive methods increased from 49.1% to 79.9%. The most commonly used method was the condom (an increase from 21% to 38.8%), followed by the pill (an increase from 14.2% to 20.3%). Female sterilization and IUDs decreased slightly and were used by less than 5% of women in 2007. The elective abortion rate increased from 5.52 to 11.49 per 1000 women. Conclusions The factors responsible for the increased rate of elective abortion need further investigation.