The Effect of Gender Perception on Family Planning Attitude and Method Use in Women of Reproductive Age: The Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study
Makaleler > Tam Makale · 2025
Yazarlar: Selin AHSUN, Sude KARLI, Hatice Reyhan GÜL
Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Nursing Sciences, Uluslararası, 2025, cilt 17, ss 59-68
DOI: 10.5336/nurses.2024-104120
Özet
Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of gender perception on family planning (FP) attitudes and method use among women of reproductive age. Material and Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 420 women at a women's health clinic of a university hospital in the Aegean Region. Data were collected using the Individual Information Form, the Gender Perception Scale (GPS), and the FP Attitude Scale (FPAS). Results: The study found a significant difference in FPAS (p<0.05) and GPS (p<0.05) scores based on the women's education level, geographic region, family type, occupation, and income status. Additionally, a negative correlation was found between age and FPAS (p=0.007, r=-0.652) and age and GPS (p=0.001, r=-0.813). The mean GPS score of the participants was 61.78±9.57 (minimum: 25; maximum: 125), and the mean FPAS score was 146.51±33.04 (minimum: 34; maximum: 170). A positive and strong correlation was found between FP attitudes and gender perception (r=0.648, p<0.01). Furthermore, significant differences were observed in FPAS (164.28±36.09, p<0.01) and GPS (82.82±10.42, p<0.05) scores based on contraceptive method use. Conclusion: The study determined that women with higher education levels, living in the West, residing in nuclear families, and having an income exhibit positive gender perceptions and FP attitudes, and their use of FP methods is higher. As participants' ages increased, their gender perceptions and FP attitudes were negatively affected. Additionally, it was identified that a key variable affecting FP attitudes is gender perception, and that both FP attitudes and gender perception positively influence the use of contraceptive methods.