Unmet family planning needs and associated factors among women with rheumatologic diseases

Women of reproductive age with rheumatologic diseases face increased risks during pregnancy, yet evidence on their family planning (FP) needs is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of unmet family planning needs and to identify associated factors among women with rheumatologic diseases.This cross-sectional study included 378 women aged 18-49 attending the Dokuz Eylul University Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic (March-June 2024). Unmet FP need, defined using an expanded Bradley/Westoff framework, was 34.1%, nearly three times higher than national estimates. Independent predictors included older age, absence of teratogenic medication use, and reliance on social media or relatives for FP information, while longer disease duration and higher parity were protective. ROC analysis identified number of pregnancies as the strongest discriminator, with nulliparous women showing the highest risk. These findings highlight the need to integrate provider-led contraceptive and preconception counseling into rheumatology care.