IUDs are a primary method to reduce the unmet need for family planning and unintended pregnancy prevention. However, IUD use in Malaysia is still low. Doctors play a significant role in influencing IUD uptake among women. Researchers designed this study to evaluate doctors’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of IUDs and their current practice factors.
Public and private contraceptive providers who practice in Malaysia received the questionnaire through an email.
Two hundred forty responded to the survey. Of the respondents, 161 were from the public or government sector, and 89 were from the private sector. The doctors’ knowledge score was classed as ’average’ and correlated well with their previous training level, working position, number of patients seen in a week, and number of contraceptive methods available in their facilities.
The age, gender, working duration, availability of IUDs in the premises, and the number of IUD insertions in a month were not statistically associated with the providers’ knowledge. The use of IUDs was low, especially among private doctors, and was significantly related to their understanding of the method. Knowledge scores, perception, and practice were substantially more down in the private sector.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/44/3/200
