Relationship between classic indicators of health behaviour and contraceptive choices in women in Flanders

• DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03079-y
• Publication Date: 2024-05-05T11:01:22Z
• Authors: Nina Van Eekert; Naomi Biegel; Leen De Kort; Veronique Verhoeven; Thies Gehrmann; Caroline Masquillier; Sarah Ahannach; Sarah Lebeer
• Keywords: Adult; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Adolescent; Health Behavior; Choice Behavior; Hormone free contraceptives; Young Adult; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Sociology; Belgium; Humans; Contraception Behavior; Research; Gynecology and obstetrics; Middle Aged; Fundamental cause theory; Contraceptive use; Local hormonal contraceptives; Contraception; RG1-991; Health behaviour; Educational Status; Female; Human medicine; Educational gradient; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270

Abstract Background In this study we shed light on ongoing trends in contraceptive use Flanders (Belgium). Building the fundamental cause theory and social diffusion of innovation theory, examine socio-economic gradients relationship to health behaviours. Methods Using unique recently collected (2020) ISALA data, used multinomial logistic regression model uptake contraceptives its association educational level behaviour (N:4316 women). Results Higher educated women, women with a healthy lifestyle especially, tend non-hormonal or perceived lower-dosage hormonal that are still trustworthy from medical point view. Moreover, identified potentially vulnerable group terms as our results indicate who do not engage preventive behaviours more likely no, no modern, method. Discussion The fact higher less methods is line patient empowerment, longer necessarily follow recommendations by healthcare professionals, there growing demand for naturalness Western societies. Conclusion can therefore be inform policy makers reproductive since up-to-date understanding women’s choices clearly needed order develop effective strategies prevent sexually transmitted infections unplanned pregnancies, which take control over their sexuality fertility comfortable pleasurable way.