"They say it may cause cancer:" A Qualitative Exploration of Filipinos' Contraceptive Misconceptions and Primary Healthcare Interventions.

Abstract

Background and objective: Contraceptives are widely acknowledged for preventing unwanted pregnancies. However, there is a prevalent lack of awareness regarding contraceptives, leading to unaddressed misconceptions. This study aimed to identify common contraceptive misconceptions among men and women of reproductive age and explore how primary health workers address them.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in two phases within District 5, Manila City. Phase 1 comprised focused group discussions with men and women of reproductive age (n=60), while Phase 2 involved conducting in-depth interviews with primary healthcare providers (n=16). MAXQDA, a qualitative software, to organize and code the data, was utilized.

Results: Women of reproductive age reported several misconceptions about contraceptives, including concerns about adverse health effects, emotional and behavioral changes, perceived ineffectiveness, and cosmetic or bodily changes. For instance, they believed that contraceptives could lead to serious health complications, such as cancer, genital injury, and even death. Primary healthcare providers addressed these misconceptions through open dialogue during service delivery, particularly during prenatal and postpartum check-ups and infant immunizations. They utilized patient education strategies, including the teach-back method, and conducted community outreach and workshops on contraceptives and family planning, especially during Women's Month.

Conclusion: Several misconceptions were identified among women of reproductive age regarding the proper use and safety of contraceptive methods, as well as misguided beliefs. In contrast, men did not exhibit any misconceptions about contraceptives, which warrants further investigation. Primary healthcare providers have taken a proactive approach to address this issue by offering comprehensive explanations and ensuring clear understanding between healthcare providers and women. Promoting contraceptive health literacy could help bridge the knowledge gap between men and women of reproductive age.