Objective:
The objective was to identify diabetic women's knowledge about contraceptive methods, indicating the presence of this pathology, and to verify the suitability of contraceptive practice in the group researched.
Methods:
Cross-sectional, exploratory research, in which 106 sexually-active diabetic women of reproductive age participated. Data were collected from March to July 2009 in a specialized center for diabetes care, through interviews. The Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use were adopted as the theoretical framework.
Results:
Of the participants, 75 (70.8% CI 95% 61.1 to 79.2%) had missing knowledge about contraceptive methods appropriate to diabetes; of the 104 (98.1%) who used a method, 58 (55.8%) did so in line with the eligibility criteria, but 12 (11.6%) women used methods risking their health.
Conclusion:
It was concluded that the group studied has significant gaps in contraception knowledge and practice, making them vulnerable to high-risk pregnancies.
Contraception; Diabetes Mellitus ; Knowledge; Women