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  • Title: Contraception in Sweden.
    Author: Riphagen FE, von Schoultz B.
    Journal: Contraception; 1989 Jun; 39(6):633-42. PubMed ID: 2752752.
    Abstract:
    In 1987, a survey of contraceptive use, knowledge and attitudes was conducted in Sweden by the International Health Foundation (IHF) as part of a multi-country study that has so far involved six other countries in Europe. The women involved, who were aged 15-44, completed a standard questionnaire. The overall percentage use of contraceptive methods, especially the reliable ones, was found to be high (95%). Oral contraception was the most frequently used method, followed by barrier methods and the intrauterine device (IUD). Contraceptive methods were chosen or abandoned mainly because of health reasons and better reliability. Knowledge of fertility proved to be generally good. Medical methods such as oral contraceptives and IUDs were associated with health hazards. In the case of the pill, fears of cardiovascular risks, thrombosis and cancer were widespread, while infection risk and menorrhagia were the most frequently quoted perceived disadvantages of the IUD. Indeed, these two methods suffer from a very negative image among Swedish users. In Sweden, contraceptive behavior is a product of many determinants such as motivation and communication and perception of advantages and disadvantages. Other determinants identified by the International Health Foundation survey included the knowledge of fertility and the perception of the reliability, safety and disturbance of a method choice. The survey found that contraceptive use is high among Swedish women. This is most likely as a result of both cultural traditions and family planning and public sexual education. The 3 most prevalent methods were oral contraceptives, barrier methods and the IUD. Socioeconomic factors were more important than psychological factors in method choice. Although both oral contraceptives and IUDs are highly prominent among choices, a large portion of the survey's participants not only recognized but feared the disadvantages of oral contraceptives such as cardiovascular risks and thrombosis and also those of the IUD such as the risk of infection and menorrhagia. Reliability and concern for health were 2 of the most important factors in choosing a method. Sweden enjoys high levels of contraceptive awareness and use. To further enhance the general understanding and use of the IUD and oral contraceptives, more information needs to be provided to users.
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