Contraceptive Knowledge and Counseling among OB-GYN and Family Medicine Physicians

Abstract

Introduction. Few studies have examined contraceptive knowledge and counseling confidence among primary care residents and physicians. Authors of this study evaluated education, knowledge, and counseling practices related to contraception among physicians in obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) and family medicine (FM). 

Methods. In this prospective, cross-sectional study, current OB-GYN and FM residents, as well as program graduates from the past five years at a single institution, were surveyed. The survey assessed demographics, contraception knowledge, provider confidence, counseling practices, and procedural experience. Responses were included in the analysis if at least one knowledge question was completed.

Results. The final analysis included 45 respondents (8% response rate): 33.3% (n = 15) from FM and 66.7% (n = 30) from OB-GYN. Average knowledge scores did not differ significantly between FM (60%, 12/20) and OB-GYN physicians (70%, 14/20). Attending physicians’ average scores were significantly higher (85%, 17/20) than residents (60%, 12/20; p = 0.0014). Most respondents (97.8%, n = 44) reported feeling comfortable counseling patients, and 93.3% (n = 42) felt comfortable performing procedures and prescribing contraceptives. OB-GYN physicians reported greater comfort placing levonorgestrel and Paragard® intrauterine devices (IUDs) than FM physicians (93%, n = 14 vs. 61%, n = 11; p = 0.040). More OB-GYN physicians (6.7%, n = 3) reported performing over 80 Nexplanon® insertions compared to FM physicians (0.0%, n = 0; p <0.0001).

Conclusions. Contraceptive knowledge did not differ significantly between OB-GYN and FM physicians. However, advanced training was associated with greater comfort in both prescribing and performing contraceptive procedures.