Change in contraceptive methods following the Yogyakarta earthquake and its association with the prevalence of unplanned pregnancy

BackgroundThis study was conducted to examine access to contraception and change in contraceptive methods before and after the disaster in Bantul area, and to evaluate the prevalence of unplanned pregnancy.Study DesignIn total, 450 married women participated. Questionnaires, which included participants' background, contraceptive methods, difficulties in accessing contraceptive method, and unplanned pregnancy, were completed.ResultsWithin 1 year of the disaster, the percentage of participants who used injections and implants tended to decrease, while the percentage of participants who used pills tended to increase. Use of coitus interruptus significantly increased after the disaster. The prevalence of unplanned pregnancy was significantly higher in a group of participants who had difficulty accessing contraceptive methods compared to a group that did not.ConclusionsHealth personnel should not only actively deliver contraceptive methods in a disaster situation but also educate couples to prevent unplanned pregnancy.