In the former Soviet Union, there was a lack of valid and reliable social research on knowledge, attitudes, and practice of contraception. The few available studies have not been published outside the Soviet Union. This article reviews five surveys that were conducted in Moscow and two other cities (Saratov and Tartu) during the period 1976-84. In addition, some data from a large-scale survey conducted in 1990 and covering the entire former Soviet Union are presented. The surveys indicate that the rhythm method, condoms, vaginal douches, and withdrawal were the main contraceptive methods used; only 1 to 3 percent of the women interviewed were using oral contraceptives, and about 10 percent used intrauterine devices. The low prevalence of use of reliable modern methods may explain the high incidence of induced abortion in Russia. The chronic unavailability of reliable contraceptives is one of the main factors of poor family planning. Lack of knowledge and negative opinions about modern contraception also play an important role. Some possibilities for improving the family planning situation in Russia are discussed.
PIP: There were 6 studies of reproductive behavior of parents, the reproductive and sexual orientation of newly married couples, women visiting polyclinics, and pregnant women visiting polyclinics in Russia during the 1980s. 5 studies were local, 1 was national, and all employed similar approaches. Generalized results from these studies pertained to contraceptive usage; reasons for choice or rejection of method; knowledge about contraception; and perceived reliability, convenience, and supply and demand of contraceptives. Specific results from the national survey of 93,000 married women of reproductive age are provided. Contraceptive usages patterns showed the primary methods as rhythm, condoms, vaginal douches, withdrawal, and IUDs. About 66% of usage was traditional. Only 1 in 10 women used an IUD. Oral contraceptives (OCs) and diaphragms were not used very often. The Safonova and Popov study in 1984 showed unreliability of alternative methods (39%) as the most common reason for use of their choice of method, followed by convenience of use (30%). 9% reported unavailability of other methods; 8% said a physician and 9% said other person had recommended the method. 6% reported a lack of information on alternative methods. Nonuse was reported as unavailability of preferred method and lack of contraceptive information. Other reasons were perceived health risks and husband's unwillingness to use a method. About 0-3% reported a preference for abortion as a method. The general level of knowledge of contraception was relatively high for the most methods. In 2 studies condoms and withdrawal were perceived to be the most reliable methods; OCs were perceived as the least effective along with spermicides. Rhythm, condoms, and the IUD were viewed as the most convenient. Perceived safety followed the pattern of public health service influence and indicated a lack of knowledge. Information on availability was lacking. Actual contraceptive availability is given as satisfying only 39% of the demand for condoms and IUDs and 2% for OCs. Availability was greater in Moscow. The conclusion was that family planning is poorly developed and most couples do not practice contraception; the result is the highest abortion rate in the world and a lack of knowledge and availability of modern methods of contraception.