The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the contraceptive use and fertility preferences and behaviors of married women in Turkey

PurposeThe aim of this study is to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the contraceptive use and fertility preferences and behaviors of married women living in Turkey.DesignThis study used a cross-sectional design.MethodsThis web-based study was conducted with the participation of 327 women. Data were collected using a questionnaire that consists of 52 questions about the participants' socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, contraceptive use, and fertility preferences, as well as the effects of COVID-19 on them. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, McNemar, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to assess the data.FindingsApproximately one in every five women stated that health services related to contraceptives were interrupted due to the pandemic. Except for the use of traditional methods before and during the pandemic, no significant difference was found between the participants' use of modern contraceptives. Compared to the pre-pandemic period, the participants' desire to have children decreased significantly in the post-pandemic period.ConclusionsCompared to the pre-pandemic period, there was a decrease in the rate of unintended pregnancy and elective abortion in women. There was no significant change in the rates of using modern contraceptives during the pandemic. During the pandemic, the use of coitus interruptus, one of the traditional methods, increased significantly, while the rate of having children decreased.Clinical evidenceFamily health centers should evaluate what women of reproductive age need and plan strategic interventions to meet their unmet needs so that they can easily access family planning services during circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic.