Profile of Women Seeking an Intra-uterine Contraceptive Device at a Community Health Centre in Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

An upsurge in demand for intra-uterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) has led to this study, which focuses on the profile of women seeking IUCDs at a community health centre in Pretoria, South Africa. The study aimed to determine the profile of women seeking IUCDs at a Pretoria community health centre. The setting was Temba Community Health Centre in region 2 of Tshwane health district, South Africa. A descriptive quantitative study with a cross-sectional design was conducted using a piloted questionnaire. Among the 129 participants, the mean age was 35 years (minimum 17 years, maximum 46 years). High participation was noted in the age group of 30–39 years (57.4%), single women (42.6%), those unemployed (54.3%), those with a secondary education (69%), and those with two children (62.8%). The decision to use an IUCD was based on its invisibility, lack of daily or sexual activity-related reminders, and lengthy device lifespan (100%). Before using an IUCD, many participants (32.6%) used condoms, and they were well versed in the IUCD. The primary source of knowledge on the IUCD was healthcare professionals. Women seeking IUCDs at a Pretoria CHC were mainly in the age range of 30–39 years, single, unemployed, with two children, using condom, and knowledgeable about the IUCD. The decision to choose an IUCD was backed by three key factors: it is invisible, there is no need for a daily or sexual activity-related reminder, and it lasts a long time without requiring a visit to the doctor. Healthcare professionals were the primary source of knowledge about IUCDs, and the knowledge regarding the device was scored as good among users at Temba CHC.