Factors influencing contraception choices by women at Zakho-Maternity Hospital

Abstract
Background: Family planning is a crucial strategy for improving the health of mothers and children. This research aimed to determine the sociodemographic factors that affect contraceptive choices by women in Zakho City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a maternity hospital in Zakho City, Kurdistan, Iraq, from January to June 2023. The study involved 218 women aged 18–51, collecting data on sociodemographic characteristics, contraceptive methods available, and reasons for contraception practice. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 26.
Results: The majority of participants (67.4%) ranged in age from 24 to 36 years. Most women (38.5%) finished intermediate school, lived in cities (67.4%), and were from the middle social class (69.7%). The intrauterine contraceptive device was the most commonly utilized method (49.5%). Residency, women's educational achievement, the number of alive children for each mother, the age of the last child in the family, marriage duration, and reasons for practicing contraception were significantly related to the contraceptive technique utilized. The primary reason for practicing family planning was to provide spacing between pregnancies.
Conclusion: The availability, accessibility, and affordability of family planning services, women's knowledge, and male partners' attitudes toward family planning were the major influences on women's contraceptive choices. The majority of participants chose intrauterine contraceptive devices over other methods because it is an effective, long-lasting technique with fewer adverse effects. There is a demand for available, effective and accessible family planning services in Zakho City and rural regions.