Page 91 - S. Ličen, I. Karnjuš, & M. Prosen (Eds.). (2019). Women, migrations and health: Ensuring transcultural healthcare. Koper, University of Primorska Press.
P. 91
Use of Modern Contraceptive Methods among Migrant Women Living in Slovenia
Huang, Rei, Lin, & Chen, 2013; Raben et al., 2018; Shah et al., 2018). In our
study, 37 migrant women (71.2) claimed they are familiar with at least one
contraception method among those listed, and 11 stated they are familiar
with all 7 modern methods on the list. The least familiarity was found with
newer methods like subcutaneous implants, patches and hormonal injec-
tions. Several authors emphasise that among migrant women knowledge
regarding contraception is mainly sourced from peers, the media, magazines
and other informal sources allowing incorrect knowledge and myths to be
present among community members (Metusela et al., 2017; Ip et al., 2011).
Therefore, the danger of passing false information on regarding contracep-
tion among this population should be taken seriously.
In recent years, the range of contraceptives available has expanded and
the overall distribution of contraceptive methods has changed. The use of
permanent methods such as sterilisation has decreased, and barrier and
long-acting hormonal methods have increased (Ellawela et al., 2017). In our
study, 50.0 of the migrant woman stated that upon arriving in Slovenia
they were given access to new contraception methods. The most common
form of contraception reported by the participants is the use of oral con-
traceptive pills and condoms. Women’s choice of contraceptive methods
is affected by demographics, socio-economic status, cultural norms, level
of commitment to avoiding pregnancy, and perceived access to health-
care (Poncet et al., 2013). Further, Raben et al. (2018) emphasise that migrant
women tend to adapt to the contraceptive trends in their host countries. Ac-
cording to the National Institute of Public Health, hormonal contraception
is currently the most commonly used contraceptive method in Slovenia (see
http://www.nijz.si/sl/26-september-2014-svetovni-dan-kontracepcije). A re-
port from 2016 states that almost 94.0 of hormonal contraception is due
to the use of oral contraceptive pills. The latter are mostly used by young
women between the ages of 15 and 30. Young woman at the start of a new
sexual relationship, in an unstable relationship or having sex with multi-
ple partners most commonly use condoms as a contraception method. In-
trauterine devices are the typical birth control method used by women aged
between 30 and 44. In Slovenia, the use of permanent methods like sterilisa-
tion is very low; estimated at around 3.0 of couples.
Another important factor influencing the use of contraception among
couples is the partner’s attitude to its use. Women are more likely to use con-
traception when their partner/husband agrees with the decision and when
members of their community approve of family planning (Poncet et al., 2013),
which was confirmed by our results. A study by Zheng et al. (2001) demon-
89
Huang, Rei, Lin, & Chen, 2013; Raben et al., 2018; Shah et al., 2018). In our
study, 37 migrant women (71.2) claimed they are familiar with at least one
contraception method among those listed, and 11 stated they are familiar
with all 7 modern methods on the list. The least familiarity was found with
newer methods like subcutaneous implants, patches and hormonal injec-
tions. Several authors emphasise that among migrant women knowledge
regarding contraception is mainly sourced from peers, the media, magazines
and other informal sources allowing incorrect knowledge and myths to be
present among community members (Metusela et al., 2017; Ip et al., 2011).
Therefore, the danger of passing false information on regarding contracep-
tion among this population should be taken seriously.
In recent years, the range of contraceptives available has expanded and
the overall distribution of contraceptive methods has changed. The use of
permanent methods such as sterilisation has decreased, and barrier and
long-acting hormonal methods have increased (Ellawela et al., 2017). In our
study, 50.0 of the migrant woman stated that upon arriving in Slovenia
they were given access to new contraception methods. The most common
form of contraception reported by the participants is the use of oral con-
traceptive pills and condoms. Women’s choice of contraceptive methods
is affected by demographics, socio-economic status, cultural norms, level
of commitment to avoiding pregnancy, and perceived access to health-
care (Poncet et al., 2013). Further, Raben et al. (2018) emphasise that migrant
women tend to adapt to the contraceptive trends in their host countries. Ac-
cording to the National Institute of Public Health, hormonal contraception
is currently the most commonly used contraceptive method in Slovenia (see
http://www.nijz.si/sl/26-september-2014-svetovni-dan-kontracepcije). A re-
port from 2016 states that almost 94.0 of hormonal contraception is due
to the use of oral contraceptive pills. The latter are mostly used by young
women between the ages of 15 and 30. Young woman at the start of a new
sexual relationship, in an unstable relationship or having sex with multi-
ple partners most commonly use condoms as a contraception method. In-
trauterine devices are the typical birth control method used by women aged
between 30 and 44. In Slovenia, the use of permanent methods like sterilisa-
tion is very low; estimated at around 3.0 of couples.
Another important factor influencing the use of contraception among
couples is the partner’s attitude to its use. Women are more likely to use con-
traception when their partner/husband agrees with the decision and when
members of their community approve of family planning (Poncet et al., 2013),
which was confirmed by our results. A study by Zheng et al. (2001) demon-
89
