Social Determinants of Health and their influence on the choice of birth control methods

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the association between Social Determinants of Health and birth control methods used by women of childbearing age. Methods: Documentary and retrospective study, performed at a Brazilian Natural Birth Center with evaluation of the medical records of patients seen between 2003 and 2011 (n=2410). Data were collected on identification and general history, gynecological, sexual and obstetric. Results: Hormone birth control methods were the most used among participants (25.0%); followed by barrier methods (21.5%) and surgical methods (19.3%). Statistical associations were observed regarding age, menarche, onset of sexual activity, pregnancy, miscarriage, smoking, hypertension, marital status, gynecological care and schooling with the choice of methods. Conclusion: The results confirm the importance of studies involving Social Determinants of Health, since they interfere in the way women choose birth control methods and the risks that this choice may pose to their health.