Knowledge, views, practice and self-efficacy regarding copper intrauterine contraceptive device usage among public primary care doctors in Sarawak: A cross-sectional study

TL;DR

This study examines how well public primary care doctors in Sarawak understand and use copper IUCDs for contraception.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into doctors' knowledge, practice, and confidence in using copper IUCDs in a specific region.

Findings

Most doctors had moderate knowledge and self-efficacy regarding copper IUCD insertion.

Doctors with more experience and prior training had higher knowledge scores.

Concerns about side effects and time required for counseling influenced doctors' views on IUCDs.

Abstract

Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) insertion is a reversible and effective way to reduce unplanned pregnancy. Doctors play a key role in IUCD usage. This study aimed to assess knowledge, views, practice and self-efficacy regarding copper IUCD usage among public primary care doctors in Sarawak.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in all public primary care clinics in Sarawak. A selfadministered online survey form was distributed to doctors in the eligible clinics.

A total of 312 doctors participated in the survey. Most of them (81.4%) worked in a clinic where IUCDs were available. The median knowledge score among the medical officers was 15 (maximum score: 20). The knowledge score was correlated with the length of primary care experience and was higher among the doctors who had prior IUCD training and ever had inserted IUCDs. The doctors were concerned about the side effects of IUCDs, especially perforation and pelvic inflammatory diseases, and were negatively influenced by the additional counselling time required when recommending IUCDs. They recognised IUCD usage as a long-term and reversible contraception method. Most (69.2%) doctors had inserted IUCDs before, but only 45.9% had inserted five or more IUCDs. The self-efficacy of the doctors regarding IUCD insertion was moderate (63% of the total score).

The knowledge and self-efficacy of the public primary care doctors in Sarawak were moderate. Although IUCDs were widely available, the number of IUCD insertions was relatively small. Further research is warranted to quantify IUCD usage and identify its barriers among nurses and patients.