Self-care/health maintenance and contraceptive use, information needs, and knowledge of a selected group of university women.

The self care/health maintenance/contraceptive information needs and knowledge of women utilizing the women's health clinic at a large New England university were investigated. The investigation was designed to elicit information about the level of knowledge, expressed learning needs, contraceptive use, satisfaction, and self health care needs of the clients. A questionnaire was devised to elicit data about self health care information needs and contraceptive use, information, and needs of the population of women who seek health care or attend educational sessions offered by women's health clinics. The information (knowledge) portion of the questionnaire was readministered after the educational sessions as a posttest at the time women came for their clinic appointments. Women utilizing the services of the women's clinic were, for the most part, resident students. More women making a 1st visit to the clinic were 20 years old or younger; women returning for care were more likely to be 20 or older. Use of a contraceptive method at the time of completing a questionnaire was indicated by 82.6% of respondents. Of the new clients using contraception, most were using oral contraceptives (OCs), condoms, or withdrawal. Of the returning clients, 93% were using OCs, diaphragm, condoms, or cream/jelly. The majority of new clients expressed dissatisfaction with their present method; the majority of returning clients were satisfied. The outstanding reasons for both groups were fear of pregnancy and inconvenience. Repeat clients also indicated worry about side effects. Nearly 62% of the respondents reported that they had used another method. Most common reasons for a change to present method included fear of pregnancy, fear of dangers, and side effects. Of the clients who indicated they had a problem with a method, side effects, pregnancy, and pain or discomfort were prevalent. Although women who had become pregnant in the past were, for the most part, using a contraceptive method at the time of conception, the majority were using the least effective methods, such as rhythm and withdrawal. Sources of information on contraception included pamphlets and books, classes, friends, clinics, and to a lesser degree, health care providers (except for old clients) and parents. The women in the study indicated a need for information. The women were fairly knowledgeable, at least about contraceptive methods, according to the results of the pretests and posttests, but knowledge is insufficient if they fail to operationalize or internalize it. It seems appropriate to shift the class focus to correct use of the method chosen to render it as effective as possible.