Analysis of Socioeconomic Determinants in the Choice of Contraceptive Methods among University Students

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual health is an essential dimension of human life, encompassing social, cultural and health aspects. In this context, contraception has become a crucial issue, especially among young university students. The choice and correct use of contraceptive methods are fundamental to preventing unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and promoting reproductive health (Santos et al., 2020; Rodrigues and Vieira, 2022). Objectives: To analyze the relationship between family income and marital status in the choice of contraceptive methods among students at a higher education institution in Belém, Pará. Material and methods: This is a quantitative and descriptive study carried out using a questionnaire on the GoogleForms platform, with thirty questions related to socioeconomic factors, the use of contraceptive methods and analyzing the factors that influence their choice, aimed at university students aged between 18 and 40 from a private institution located in the city of Belém-PA. The study was conducted between November 2024 and February 2025, involving regularly enrolled women who agreed to take part in the research by signing the Informed Consent Form (ICF). The study followed the guidelines established by Resolution 466/2012 of the National Health Council, which regulates research involving human beings. The project was submitted to UNAMA's Research Ethics Committee and approved under CAAE:84167524.2.0000.5173 and Opinion: 7.187.153. Results: The survey was carried out with 305 female undergraduates at a private institution in Belém-PA, between November 2024 and February 2025. When the choice of contraceptive method is related to income, it can be seen that 40% of women with an income of more than 8 minimum wages do not use any method, followed by 37% of those with one minimum wage and 34% of those with an income of between 3 and 8 minimum wages. Regarding the distribution of contraceptive methods by marital status, 37.03% of single women reported not using any method, 22.58% of those who were dating and 16.66% of those who were married/stable. Conclusion: The survey showed that university students with an income of between 3 and 8 salaries and single women were the ones who most often reported not using any contraceptive method. Therefore, there is a need for health education with this group to promote the necessary knowledge about contraceptive methods, in order to guarantee sexual and reproductive education for these women.