Prevalence of pregnancy experiences and contraceptive knowledge among single adults in a low socio-economic suburban community in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence of pregnancy experience and its association with contraceptive knowledge among single adults in a low socio-economic suburban community in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2012 among the Kerinchi suburban community. Of the total 3,716 individuals surveyed, young single adults between 18 and 35 years old were questioned with regard to their experience with unplanned pregnancy before marriage. Contraceptive knowledge was assessed by a series of questions on identification of method types and the affectivity of condoms for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.ResultsA total of 226 female and 257 male participants completed the survey. In total, eight female (3.5%) participants reported experience with an unplanned pregnancy before marriage, and five male (1.9 %) participants had the experience of impregnating their partners. The participants had a mean total score of 3.15 (SD = 1.55) for contraceptive knowledge out of a possible maximum score of five. Female participants who had experienced an unplanned pregnancy had a significantly lower contraceptive knowledge score (2.10 ± 1.48) than who had never experienced pregnancy (3.30 ± 1.35), p<0.05. Likewise, male participants who had experienced impregnating their partners had a significantly lower contraceptive knowledge score (1.60 ± 1.50) than those who did not have such experience (3.02 ± 1.59), p<0.05.ConclusionThe results showed evidence of premarital unplanned pregnancy among this suburban community. The low level of contraceptive knowledge found in this study indicates the need for educational strategies designed to improve contraceptive knowledge.

A comparison of intimate partner violence and associated physical injuries between cohabitating and married women: a 5-year medical chart review

“…First, the credibility of this study as a medical record review lies on the reliability and completeness of the clinical data. The missing values of the variables in this study ranged from 0 to 26%, which were lower than the data used in our prior study [16], mainly because of the revised data abstraction format and the implementation of the electronic data collection method [35]. Second, although we have collected data regarding the family issues behind the abuse and violence and the mental health impact on women, the information contained in the medical records is limited.…”

“…Cohabitation is traditionally viewed as a “trial marriage”. Using the natural selection theory, partners exhibiting low level or no violence may be more likely to enter into marriage, whereas cohabitating women living in abusive relationships may tend to stay in cohabitating relationships [16]. Alternatively, the Power–Control Theory stipulates status incompatibilities in intimate partner relationships might lead to lower marital satisfaction and even IPV [18–20].…”

“…Therefore, the present study aims to compare IPV-associated physical injuries between cohabitating women and married women in the context of their location and frequency, type of physical violence, mental impact, as well as the relationship problems initiating the conflict and violence, willingness to report to police, and discharge plans. We hypothesize that physical violence and injuries are more severe in cohabitating women than in married women suffering from IPV [15, 16]. The results may indicate the need to obtain comprehensive information to develop a screening program for IPV victims including cohabitating women.…”

Knowledge, attitudes and practice of healthcare providers regarding contraceptive use in adolescence in Mahalapye, Botswana

“…For instance, general practitioners in India were reported to be reluctant to provide contraceptives to girls under the age of 16 as it was against their cultural values. 10,11 Also, a report from a study from Ibadan in Nigeria showed a cultural reluctance towards providing contraceptives to unmarried adolescents as more than half of HCPs perceived the provision of contraceptives to such clients as promoting sexual promiscuity. 12 In a study conducted in Kenya and Zambia, midwives were hostile to adolescent reproductive services, but continuing education on adolescent sexuality and reproduction reversed their negative opinion.…”

Awareness and practice of dual contraception among female tertiary institution students in Ibadan, Nigeria

“…Poor knowledge about contraception and its consistent usage has been found to contribute to the high incidence of unwanted pregnancy and STIs. 7 In order to reduce the risks and public health problems associated with unwanted pregnancy and STIs, it is important to advocate the use of dual contraception among young women with risky sexual behavior. Therefore, our aim is to explore the knowledge, awareness, and factors associated with the use of dual contraception as a means of preventing both STIs and unwanted pregnancy among female undergraduates in Ibadan, Nigeria.…”