Evaluation of the sociocultural factors that limit access to and use of contraceptive methods in women

Abstract

The objective of this study was to increase access to and use of contraceptive methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies among women attending the La Puntilla Health Center. A quantitative and descriptive approach was used with a cross-sectional temporal sequence, applying a survey to 40 women seen in gynecology in June 2023.According to age range, the results show that women are between 14 and 24 years of age, 20% have no education, 75% are Catholic, 42% live in a union and 62.5% do not currently use contraceptive methods. Regarding economic factors, 30% have a monthly income of less than $200.00 and 57.5% cannot afford to purchase these methods. Regarding health services, 35% reported a shortage of contraceptive methods and 15% reported a lack of trust with health personnel. Forty-five percent have no knowledge of contraceptive methods and 60.5% have not received training. 5% do not use contraceptive methods due to religion, 17.5% due to patriarchal culture, 17.5% due to absence or lack of communication in the family about its use and 55% do not use contraceptive methods due to myths, beliefs and stigmas such as contraception causes sterility, diseases, reduces fertility, side effects.  Currently there are socio-cultural factors that limit access and use of contraceptive methods for women. It is essential to implement educational programs that improve knowledge, facilitating decision making and promoting female empowerment.