Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice toward Contraception and Pregnancy among Women of Reproductive Age with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Authors

  • Nattawut Mitmongkolyod Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University
  • Kunlapat Kruehong Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University
  • Juntarut Wangsai Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University
  • Nattakamon Kunsrirut Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University
  • Thanwarat Satjamukda Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University
  • Sakchai Chaiyamahapruk Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University
  • Chonticha Kromprasit Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University
  • Patcharada Amatyakul Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University

Keywords:

reproductive health, pregnancy, knowledge, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may experience maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy. This study aimed at studying the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of women with SLE about pregnancy and contraception and factors that affect levels of knowledge about pregnancy and effectiveness of contraception.

Methods:  This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 132 women with SLE at the Internal Medicine department of Naresuan University Hospital, from October 2022 – March 2023. Data were collected by designed questionnaires which consisted of personal information and questions for assessment of knowledge, attitudes, behaviors and factors affected contraception. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Results: The mean score of knowledge was unsatisfied in 64.4% whereas 35.6% were classified as satisfied. Women with effective contraception use were 83.5%. Factors associated with high levels of knowledge were medical personnels (OR = 4.6, 95% CI 1.127-18.819), disease duration longer than 5 years (OR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.190-0.866).  Factors promoting effective contraception were age range between 36-45 years (p = 0.004), and the disease duration longer than 5 years (p = 0.002) and receiving contraceptive counseling from obstetricians (p = 0.044). Most of female patients with SLE received counseling about contraception and plan for pregnancy from internal medicine physicians and obstetricians and used effective methods of contraception.

Conclusions: The basic knowledge of SLE and pregnancy of the studied group was unsatisfied. However, most of them chose effective methods of contraception and their attitude toward pregnancy was at the good level. Factors affected knowledge and appropriate behavior were medical personnels, disease duration longer than 5 years and receiving contraceptive counseling and SLE from obstetricians. The multidisciplinary approach will improve women with SLE receiving holistic care about reproductive health and decreasing complications in both pregnant women and newborns.

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Published

2024-06-24

How to Cite

1.
Mitmongkolyod N, Kruehong K, Wangsai J, Kunsrirut N, Satjamukda T, Chaiyamahapruk S, Kromprasit C, Amatyakul P. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice toward Contraception and Pregnancy among Women of Reproductive Age with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. SRIMEDJ [Internet]. 2024 Jun. 24 [cited 2024 Oct. 6];39(3):231-42. Available from: https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/SRIMEDJ/article/view/262575

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Section

Original Articles