Search for a command to run...
The objective: to assess awareness and use of modern contraceptive methods among female military personnel and to analyze factors influencing refusal of hormonal contraceptives (HC), considering the specific demands of military service.Materials and methods. An online survey of 431 female military personnel assessed contraceptive behavior, HC use, and reasons for refusal. Group I included women who were not in the combat zone (CZ) (n = 233); group II – women who were in CZ up to 1 month (n = 82); group III – women who were in CZ from 1 till 6 months (n = 69); group IV – women who were in CZ more than 6 months (n = 47).Results. The lowest contraceptive use rate (26.83%) was observed among women with a stay in the CZ for up to 1 month, while the highest rate (53.19%) was recorded in group IV. Barrier methods predominated in all groups (> 60%). Use of oral contraceptives (OC) increased significantly with longer stay duration in the CZ, reaching 28.00% in group IV. Overall HC use (OC and intrauterine contraceptives) increased from 7.73% in group I to 19.15% in group IV. The main reasons for refusal HC were lack of perceived need (50.00–61.86%), fear of side effects (24.14%), and insufficient awareness (13.02–18.42%).Conclusions. The level of contraceptive use among female military personnel in Ukraine remains low, and the most common method is barrier contraception (condom). Women with longer service experience more frequently use OC. Refusal of HC is mainly associated with lack of need, insufficient awareness, concerns about side effects, and contraindications. The results of the study emphasize the need for regular and structured information of female military personnel about modern, in particular long-term reversible methods of contraception, including their effectiveness and additional benefits.