Contraceptive care by family physicians and general practitioners in Japan: attitudes and practices.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Japan has one of the highest rates of unintended pregnancies among developed countries. Family physicians and general practitioners (FPs/GPs) have unique opportunities to provide family planning. The purpose of this research was to elucidate the attitudes and practices about contraceptive care by FPs/GPs in Japan. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we distributed to physician members of the Japanese Academy of Family Medicine a survey that addressed their educational experiences with contraceptive care, frequency of contraceptive care in their practices, attitudes toward providing it, and attitudes toward providing medical students and residents with contraception education. RESULTS: A total of 265 physicians responded (response rate 77.2%). Many physicians reported receiving limited education about contraception, and 75% reported offering no contraceptive care in practice. While 60% of participants reported a desire to provide information about contraception, one of four physicians reported no interest. About 90% of the physicians indicated that medical students should have contraception education. Eighty percent reported that residents should receive such education. CONCLUSIONS: Most FPs/GPs in Japan have received limited education about contraception. Few provide it currently, but 60% are willing to do so. Further investigation is needed to fully understand barriers to Japanese FPs/GPs providing contraceptive care.