Beliefs and Attitudes of Rural Nurses in Lori Marz, Armenia toward Modern Contraceptive Methods: A qualitative study

Abstract

Abstract Background: About one-half million mothers in developing countries die annually due to unwanted pregnancy and its complications. Preventing unintended pregnancies through access to modern methods of family planning could avert 20% to 35% of maternal deaths, saving the lives of more than 100,000 mothers each year. The availability of contraceptives alone is not enough; the efficacy of family planning depends on people’s knowledge and behaviours about contraceptive methods. Studies show that nurses play an important role in supporting women by providing education regarding contraception and contraception choices. In Armenian villages, nurses show an important role in educating rural communities about family planning. Nurses are the only professionals available in these areas who can provide women with education about contraceptives as a family planning method. Aim: This study 1) explored beliefs and attitudes of rural nurses about modern contraceptive methods; 2) described nurses’ perceptions related to use of modern methods of family planning; 3) described nursing services provided to rural population regarding reproductive health and contraceptive use; and 4) used the obtained data to make recommendations for improving contraceptive practices in rural area of Armenia. Methodology: Nine in-depth interviews were conducted among nurses working in rural areas of Lori marz, Armenia. Result: The average working experience of nurses was 22.5 years. Each nurse provided health care services to 150-200 patients on average each month. Most nurses were the only health care providers in their villages: they provided basic health care services, preventive care and educated rural community. Several nurses felt modern contraceptive methods were important in the lives of women. However, most of them reported that modern methods of contraceptive are ineffective and unsafe. Consequently, they do not recommend them to women, instead, recommending traditional birth control methods. The study found that nurses often provide incorrect or exaggerated information to women about modern contraceptives. Conclusion: Nurses have many misconceptions about modern methods of birth control. This leads to incorrect counseling of women and contributes to unintended pregnancies. The underlying reasons for this gap are lack of knowledge and a reluctance to trust modern information and, in some cases, adherence to folk beliefs despite this information. Key words: nurse, contraceptives, rural, Armenia