Authors

• Hemminki, Elina (National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (STAKES))
• Sihvo, Sinikka (National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (STAKES))

Keywords

abortion, contraceptive devices, delivery (pregnancy), family planning, fertility, fertility treatment, men, miscarriage, pregnancy, pregnancy complications

Abstract

The survey studied Finnish men's opinions and experiences of family planning services. The aim of the study was to chart possible problems with the family planning system of the time, and to gather useful information for improving the services. The study was conducted by researchers of the National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (STAKES) in collaboration with researchers from the University of Tampere and the University of Kuopio.

First, the respondents' perceptions of impregnation, signs of pregnancy and pregnancy-related healthcare services were examined. The respondents were asked about the birth control methods they used as well as if they had visited a healthcare professional due to matters related to birth control during the past year and how satisfied they were with the service they had received. Opinions on whose responsibility in a relationship birth control should be and which type of healthcare professional the respondents would like to visit in issues related to birth control were also probed.

Next, the respondents were asked if their partner had ever had an abortion. The respondents' participation in the delivery of a baby was also charted. In addition, the respondents were asked about their experiences with childlessness, infertility, and methods used to treat infertility. Finally, they were asked which healthcare services related to pregnancy and birth control should be funded by taxes and provided without charge to the user.

Background variables included the respondent's year of birth, economic activity and occupational status, industry of employment, marital status, number of biological children, and the degree of urbanisation of the municipality of residence.