How often women who had pregnancy abortion use hormonal and emergency contraception?

Abstract Background Serbian women use contraception in general sporadically and numerous women still undergo induced abortions in case of unwanted pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and factors associated with the use of hormonal and emergency contraception among women from Belgrade (Serbia) who had induced abortions. Methods This cross-sectional study investigated 433 women aged 15 to 55 years who were having induced abortions at the Clinic for Ob/Gyn, University Clinical Center of Serbia from 2022 to 2024. They filled-in an anonymous questionnaire about their socio-demographic data, general medical and gynecological history. They were specifically asked about the use of hormonal and emergency contraception. Results Just 17.6% of the investigated women used hormonal contraception, while 29.8% had used the emergency contraception at least once. Use of hormonal contraception was associated with Serbian nationality and being an atheist, having gynecological illnesses, engaging in regular recreation and drinking alcohol. The use of emergency contraception correlated with younger age, being nulliparous, having higher education, not being in a relationship, engaging in regular recreation and drinking alcohol. Conclusions Our study confirms that Serbian women rarely use hormonal contraception and if they do, it is mostly as therapy for different gynecological illnesses. Younger women with higher education, who are not in committed relationship and who drink alcoholic beverages, are more likely to use emergency contraception even though it is not recommended for regular use. Global strategies and individualized programs for contraception counseling are necessary to increase the use of contraception in Serbia. Key messages • Few women who underwent induced abortion used either hormonal or emergency contraception. • Emergency is more often used than hormonal contraception, particularly among younger, educated and single women.