Perception of Filipino Women Towards Contraceptives

RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
College of Education
Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City
PERCEPTION OF FILIPINO WOMEN TOWARDS CONTRACEPTIVES
A Research Paper Presented to the

Social Studies Department of
College of Education of
Rizal Technological University
By:
Elvie P. Dulawan
June 2019
Introduction
Overpopulation has been a global issue over this past few years.
Several advancements on technology in fertility treatment, decline in death
rate, and many other causes have been pointed out.
Studies revealed that to combat overpopulation, there are several
factors to consider. According to O’Donnel (2018), there are 5 realistic
overpopulation solutions that we need to implement. First is sex education.
Sex education is the first line of defense on the topic of overpopulation. The
more kids know about safe sex, the less likely they are to have unplanned
pregnancies at a young age. Giving kids information about safe sex at an
early age is often uncomfortable, but it’s one of the necessary overpopulation
solutions we need to start considering. In the age of the internet, we can’t
protect kids from information. They’ll find it on their own if they’re curious
enough, and telling them about sex in a safe, structured environment is an
essential way to prevent misinformation they might find online or hear from
their friends at school. Parents and teachers need to get over the
uncomfortable feeling of discussing sex with teenagers. Many of them are
sexually active, and parents need to arm them with information to ensure
they’re making the right decisions. This advice goes beyond overpopulation,
and extends to having happier, healthier sexual experiences. The second

thing that we should take into account is increasing access to contraception.
A lot of unplanned pregnancies occur across the world because women and
men don’t have access to contraception. Birth control is extremely difficult to
get in certain parts of the world, and when combined with poor sex education
the result is often an unplanned pregnancy. Even when birth control is
available, some people can’t afford to pay for it. One solution to this problem
would be to implement a system where people can get contraception for free
or at a significant discount. Third is general education. Sex education is
paramount, but it goes hand-in-hand with overall education. The relationship
between education and a lower fertility rate is especially evident in women,
as statistics from both developed and developing countries prove. Education
opens the door to more opportunities and higher-paying jobs. More than
anything, it shows an alternative future that’s independent of having children.
In many developing countries, becoming a wife and mother is one of the only
prospects young girls see. When they attend school, they begin to
understand a way they can make a life form themselves independently. The
fourth realistic way is teaching about overpopulation. Despite the dangers
that our growing population presents, so many people are ignorant of how
big of a problem it is. Most people are aware of the environmental problem,
but many argue that overpopulation is an even greater threat. Making people
aware of the overpopulation crisis is one of the overpopulation solutions that

are easy and relatively cheap to implement. We need to start teaching about
where humanity is heading in schools and extend education to responsible
family planning in adulthood. The fifth possible way is changing government
policies. Several countries across the globe offer benefits to parents who
have more children. Some of these policies even directly encourage their
citizens to procreate, while others are aimed at providing for families who
can’t afford to have kids on their own. While officials made many of these
policies with their hearts in the right place, they only contribute to the problem
of overpopulation. Parents might not have kids for the tax benefit alone
(although some undoubtedly do), but they aren’t discouraged by government
policy either. Sometimes, these policies mean that parents with more kids
create more income than those without kids. Changing these policies won’t
come easy, as many families rely on them for a sustainable income. Still, we
need to look at tax benefits and other government policies regarding one of
the overpopulation solutions. One method of changing policy might be to
reward families who decide to have two or fewer children with tax breaks.
This won’t harm anyone who has a larger family but might dissuade some
parents from having an excessive amount of kids.

In our country, we have a newly passed law entitled “The
Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012”
(Republic Act No. 10354), informally known as the Reproductive Health Law
or RH Law, is a law in the Philippines, which guarantees universal access to
methods of contraception, fertility control, sexual education, and maternal
care.
Contraception (birth control) prevents pregnancy by interfering
with the normal process of ovulation, fertilization, and implantation. There
are different kinds of birth control that act at different points in the process.
Many elements need to be considered by women, men, or couples at any
given point in their lifetimes when choosing the most appropriate
contraceptive method. These elements include safety, effectiveness,
availability (including accessibility and affordability), and acceptability.
Voluntary informed choice of contraceptive methods is an essential guiding
principle, and contraceptive counseling, when applicable, might be an
important contributor to the successful use of contraceptive methods.
(Trussell et al., 2018). In choosing a method of contraception, dual
protection from the simultaneous risk for HIV and other STDs also should be
considered. Although hormonal contraceptives and IUDs are highly effective
at preventing pregnancy, they do not protect against STDs, including HIV.

Consistent and correct use of the male latex condom reduces the risk for
HIV infection and other STDs, including chlamydial infection, gonococcal
infection, and trichomoniasis. There are several general types of
contraception according to them. First is Reversible Methods of Birth Control
which include Copper T intrauterine device (IUD), Levonorgestrel
intrauterine system. Second type of contraception is through Hormonal
Methods which is composed of Implant and Injection or “shot’’. The third way
of contraception is through the use of birth control pills which includes
Combined oral contraceptives and Progestin only pill (sometimes called the
mini-pill). The fourth way is through the use of the patch, and Hormonal
vaginal contraceptive ring. Another way is using barrier methods like
Diaphragm or cervical cap, sponge, condom, and spermicides. There are
also Fertility Awareness-Based Methods, Lactational Amenorrhea Method,
Permanent Methods of Birth Control like Female Sterilization—Tubal ligation
or “tying tubes” and Male Sterilization–Vasectomy.
According to a survey done by Philippine Statistics Authority
last 2000, the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) or the proportion of
married women 15-49 years reporting current use of contraceptives drops to
47.0 percent in 2000 from the 49.3 percent recorded in 1999. This is primarily
caused by the decrease in the use of traditional methods (16.9% to 14.7%),

particularly withdrawal (6.7% to 4.8%). Meanwhile, the prevalence rate of
modern methods leveled off in the last two years (32.4% in 1999 and 32.3%
in 2000). Family Planning Survey (FPS) results from 1995 to 2000 reveal a
decline in the CPR, from 50.7 percent in 1995 to 47.0 percent in 2000. The
same rate of contraceptive use was recorded in the 1997 FPS and in the
1998 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). The 1999 FPS
estimate for the CPR (49.3%) was a marked improvement, particularly the
prevalence rate of modern methods (from 28.2% in 1998 to 32.4% in 1999).
The pill remains as the most popular contraceptive method among married
women 15 to 49 years old with 13.7 percent using this method in 2000.
Female sterilization ranks second with a prevalence rate of 10.6 percent,
followed by calendar/rhythm with 9.5 percent. Withdrawal method is used by
4.8 percent, IUD by 3.3 percent and injection by 2.5 percent. Only 1.3
percent of women use condom and less than 1 percent use Lactational
Amenorrhea Method (LAM) or male sterilization. For the four FPS survey
years in 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2000, the pill was the most commonly used
contraceptive method. Female sterilization and calendar/rhythm were
consistently the second and third most widely used method, respectively.
With these prevalent conditions of contraception in the Philippines,
and with the advent of the Reproductive Health Law, it is the desire of the
researcher to look into the perception of the Filipino women of today on the
usage of contraceptives.
This research aims to determine how do Filipino women look into
contraception and how they see their role as women.
This study is limited to 20 female respondents composed of 10
married and 10 single women randomly selected at Barangka Drive,
Mandaluyong City.
Research Paradigm
Knowledge on
Contraception
Filipino
Women
Perception on Effects of
Contraception contraception
Figure 1
Figure 1 shows the interrelationship of the Filipino women
with how they see contraception, how they know contraception, and how
contraception affects them as women. This figure simply implies the idea
that knowledge of contraceptives greatly affects their ways on how they
accept and use contraception for their sake and how will their actions affect
them.
Objectives of the Study
This research is conducted to determine and assess the
perception of 20 Filipino women towards contraceptives.
Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following questions:
1. What are the perceptions of Filipino women towards contraceptives?
2. What are the least and most commonly used contraceptives by Filipino
women?
3. How do contraceptives affect the role of the women as a child bearer with
respect to their:
a. Social;
b. Emotional;
c. Psychological; and
d. Scientific aspects?
Methodology
This study used the descriptive method of research. Descriptive
research design is a scientific method which involves observing and
describing the behavior of a subject without influencing it in any way (Martin
Shuttleworth, 2008).
This study is limited to 20 purposively-selected women composed
of 10 married and 10 single women from Barangay Barangka Drive,
Mandaluyong City.
This study is about the perception of Filipino women towards
contraceptives. The researcher made a descriptive questionnaire which is
then checked by experts for validation. Corrections for improvement of the
tool has been done.
The researcher-made questionnaire comprised of three parts. The
first part talks about the perception of the respondents towards
contraceptives. The second part talks about the types of contraceptives that
they use and the last part talks about the effects of contraception on women
socially, emotionally, psychologically, and scientifically.
Before gathering the needed data for this action research to
progress, the researcher asked permission to the respondents to conduct a

short survey. Upon having the approval, the validated questionnaires are
distributed to the respondents and are asked to answer. During the process,
the researcher is there to monitor and guide the respondents in answering
the questionnaire properly.
Afterwards, the survey forms are collected and recorded.
Tabulation of data took place in order to analyze them and finally interpret
the results. A statistician was consulted for reliability of results.

Results and Discussion
This section presents the data gathered about the
perception of the respondents on contraceptives, as well as its analysis and
interpretation.
Table 1
Profile of the Respondents in terms of Marital Status
Civil Status Frequency Percentage
Single 10 50%
Married 10 50%
Total 20 100%
Table 1 shows the profile of the respondents in terms of their
marital status. Based on the table, 50 percent of the respondents is single
and 50 percent of the respondents is married. There are a total of 20 female
respondents.
Table 2
Profile of the Respondents in terms of Age
Age Frequency Percentage
18-25 years old 15 75%
26-33 years old 4 20%
34 years old and above 1 5%
Total 20 100%
Table 2 shows the profile of the respondents in terms of their age.
It can be seen that 75 percent of the respondents is aged between 18 to 25
years old, 20 percent is aged between 26 to 33 years old, and 5 percent is
aged 34 years and above.

Table 3
Importance of Sexual Health to Filipino Women
Response Frequency Percentage
Very Important 15 75%
Important 5 25%
Moderately Important 0 0%
Not Important 0 0%
Total 20 100%
Table 3 shows the response of the respondents on the importance
of sexual health to them. It can be observed on the table that 75 percent of
them see sexual health very important, 25 percent see it important, and none
of them see it moderately important and not important at all.

Table 4
Perception of Filipino Women Towards Contraceptives
Situation Yes No
1. Do you consider contraceptives as

15 or 5 or
something acceptable in the
75% 25%
society?
2. Have you used contraception 16 or 4 or
before? 80% 20%
3. Do you see contraception as a way

20 or
to combat overpopulation, abortion, 0 or 0%
100%
and sexually-transmitted diseases?
Table 4 indicates the frequency and the percentage of responses
of the selected Filipino women on their perception towards the use of
contraceptives. It can be observed on the table that 75 percent of them see
contraception acceptable in today’s society while 25 percent see it as not
acceptable. Also, it can be depicted that 80 percent of the respondents has
used contraceptives before while 20 percent has not yet used it by any
means. Further, it can be seen that 100 percent of the respondents see
contraception as a way to combat overpopulation, sexually-transmitted
diseases, and abortion.

Table 5
Who is Responsible for Contraception?
Frequency Percentage
Man 4 20%
Woman 6 30%
Both are responsible 10 50%
Both are not responsible 0 0%
Total 20 100%
Table 5 shows the response of Filipino women as to who takes the
responsibility for using contraceptives. It can be observed on the table that
20 percent prefers that men should be responsible, 30 percent prefers that
women should be held responsible and 50 percent prefers that both men
and women should be responsible for contraceptives use. None of them
have said that no one is held responsible for contraception.

Table 6
Priority Considerations in Using Contraceptives
Consideration Frequency Percentage Rank
Contraceptive effectiveness 9 45% 1
The feeling of using 4 20% 3
contraceptive methods
The convenience of buying 2 10% 4
or using contraceptive tools
The safety of contraceptive 5 25% 2
methods
Total 20 100%
Table 6 shows the perception of the respondents on the priority
considerations when using contraceptives. It can be observed that their main
priority is the effectiveness of the contraceptives having 45 percent of the
responses, safety comes second having 25 percent of the responses, feeling
of using contraceptive methods comes third with 20 percent of the
responses, and convenience of buying or using comes last with just 10
percent of the total responses.

Table 7
Type of Commonly Used Contraceptive
Type of Contraceptive Frequency Percentage Rank
Pill 4 20% 2
condoms 11 55% 1
Implants 0 9.5
The diaphragm and sponge
0 9.5
with spermicide
Contraceptive injection 2 10% 3
Vaginal ring 0 9.5
Intrauterine device (IUD) 1 5% 5
Intrauterine system (IUS) 0 9.5
Contraceptive patch 0 9.5
Diaphragm 0 9.5
Cap 1 5% 5
Female sterilization 0 9.5
Emergency Contraception 0 9.5
Morning After Pill 1 5% 5
Total 16 100%
Table 7 shows the types of contraceptives commonly used by the
respondents. It can be observed that condoms ranked first as the commonly

used contraceptives, having 55 percent of the responses. It is followed by
contraceptive pills having 20 percent of the responses. The third commonly
used contraceptive according to the respondents is a contraceptive injection
having 10 percent of the responses. This is followed by Intrauterine Device
(IUD), cap, and morning after pill ranking 5th out of 14. Several
contraceptives like implants, diaphragm and sponge with spermicide, vaginal
ring, intrauterine system, contraceptive patch, diaphragm, female
sterilization, and emergency contraception are familiar to the respondents
but they have not used any of them yet.

Table 8
Effects of Contraceptives on Women
Social Effects Weighted Interpretation

Mean
1. Contraception is accepted 4.2 Agree
by society today
2. Pre-marital sex is one of 4.6 Strongly
the issues concerning the Agree
acceptance of using
contraceptives today.
Emotional Effects Weighted Interpretation
Mean
1. Women today do not really 2.4 Disagree
care of being pregnant
because of contraceptives
2. Rising sexual desires is an 4.1 Agree
effect of free use of
contraception in the country
Psychological Effects Weighted Interpretation
Mean
1. Contraceptives can cause 3.5
depression, and mood Agree
swings on women.
2. Contraception can cause 3.5 Agree
mood disorders
Scientific Effects Weighted Interpretation
Mean
1. I know that contraceptives 2.2 Disagree
can alter my brain structure
Table 8 shows the data on the effects of contraceptives on women
as perceived by the respondents. In terms of social aspect, it can be
observed on the table that the respondents agree that contraception is now
accepted in the society. Further, it can be seen that they strongly agree that
pre-marital sex is one of the issues concerning the acceptance of using
Moreover, in terms of emotional aspect, it can be observed that
they disagree that women today do not really care of being pregnant
because of contraceptives. Meanwhile, the respondents agree that the rising
sexual desires is an effect of free use of contraception in the country.
In terms of psychological aspect, it can be depicted that the
respondents agree that contraceptives can cause depression, and mood
swings on women and that it can cause mood disorders.
On the other hand, scientifically, the respondents disagree that
they have a knowledge about contraceptives being able to alter their brain
structure.
Conclusion
Based on the results and discussions, the following conclusions are
made:
1. Majority of the respondents see sexual health very important.
2. Majority of the respondents see contraception acceptable in society
today.
3. The respondents see contraception as a way to combat
overpopulation, sexually-transmitted diseases, and abortion.
4. It was observed that 20 percent prefers that men should be
responsible, 30 percent prefers that women should be held
responsible and 50 percent prefers that both men and women should
be responsible for contraceptives use. None of them have said that
no one is held responsible for contraception.
5. It was seen that the main priority of the respondents when selecting
a contraceptive is the effectiveness of the contraceptives followed by
safeness, feeling of using contraceptive methods and convenience of
buying or using.
6. Condoms, contraceptive pills, contraceptive injections, intrauterine
diaphragm, cap and morning after pill are the most commonly used
contraceptives according to the study.

7. Contraceptives like implants, diaphragm and sponge with spermicide,
vaginal ring, intrauterine system, contraceptive patch, diaphragm,
female sterilization, and emergency contraception are familiar to the
respondents but they have not used any of them yet.
8. In terms of social aspect, the respondents agree that contraception is
now accepted in the society. Further, they strongly agree that pre-
marital sex is one of the issues concerning the acceptance of using
9. In terms of emotional aspect, they disagree that women today do not
really care of being pregnant because of contraceptives. Meanwhile,
the respondents agree that the rising sexual desires is an effect of
free use of contraception in the country.
10. The study revealed that Filipino women agree that contraceptives
can cause depression, and mood swings on women and that it can
cause mood disorders, in terms of psychological aspect. On the other
hand, scientifically, they disagree that they have a knowledge about
contraceptives being able to alter their brain structure.

References
Books
Birth Control Pills: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated
Research Guide to Internet References. San Diego, CA: Icon
Health Publications, 2003.
Peacock, Judith. Birth Control and Protection: Choices for Teens.
Santa Rosa, CA: LifeMatters, 2000.
Whitney, Leon Fradley. Birth Control Today: A Practical Approach
to Intelligent Family Planning. Temecula, CA: Textbook
Publishers, 2003.
Articles
O’Donnel J. (2018). 5 Realistic Overpopulation Solutions We Need
to Implement. https://www.conservationinstitute.org/5-
overpopulation-solutions/
"Give Teens More Info to Bridge Information Gap." Contraceptive
Technology Update 25(September 2004): 106–07.
Sullivan, Michele G. "Teens View Hormonal Contraception as
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"Teens Face Obstacles When Obtaining EC (Emergency
Contraceptives)." Contraceptive Technology Update 25 (April
2004): 41–2.
Tucker, Miriam E. "Newer Contraceptives Give Teens More
Options." OB GYN News 38 (August 1, 2003): 9.
Amy B. Tuteur and Ken R. Wells. "Teens and Condoms." Avert.org
, August 13, 2004. Available online at
http://www.avert.org/teencondoms.htm (accessed November
23, 2004).

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RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City