WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Zainab Raad Naji Al-Baghdadi, Dhuha Fakhri Jassim and Mazin Gh. Al-Rubaey

ABSTRACT

Background: Although intrauterine contraception (IUC) is the most widely used reversible method globally, only 10% of Iraqi women aged 15 to 44 used an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) in 2011. Due to their convenience and effectiveness, interest in IUCDs is increasing. The levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and copper-bearing IUD offer efficacy comparable to sterilization, providing an attractive alternative to permanent surgical methods. Objective: To assess the knowledge and attitude towards IUCDs among women of reproductive age in Baghdad. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two hospitals and two primary health care centers in Baghdad from March 15 to June 30, 2013. Married women aged 15-50 were included using a consecutive non-random sampling technique via direct interviews with a structured questionnaire. Women with a history of infertility or menopause were excluded. Results: Data from 600 women were analyzed. Copper-IUD was the most commonly known and used IUCD, with all respondents aware of it; however, only 165 (27.5%) had a positive attitude. Poor knowledge of copper-IUD was observed in 52.7%, but improved with higher education levels (P = 0.009) and employment (P = 0.007). Only 53 (9.2%) women were current copper-IUD users, with usage significantly associated with age, years of marriage, and parity. Knowledge of LNG-IUS was good in 39.4% of those aware of it. Friends and relatives were the main sources of information (97.2%). Conclusions: Knowledge and utilization of IUCDs were low. Media and healthcare professionals should play a greater role in promoting IUCD awareness and acceptance.