Quality of life of couples taking contraceptive pills referred to health centers

Birth control pills are the most effective, common and reversible contraception method, and if taken consistently, reduce pregnancy rate down to 2-3%. This study was conducted with the aim to determine and compare dimensions of quality of life (physical, psychological, social, and sexual dimensions) in women using these pills and in their spouses. In this study, in which 60 couples referred to health centers for family planning services were randomly selected. The world health organization quality of life questionnaire was used as data collection tool. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire had been previously confirmed. Questionnaires were completed and data were collected with the help of interviews conducted by trained interviewers. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics and the t-test. Couples’ quality of life score in psychological,social, sexual and physical dimensions was 3.22, 3.31, 3.65 and 3.52, respectively. Total score of quality of life was not significantly different between men and women, and mean quality of life score was higher in men, but this difference was not statistically significant. Study results showed that there is a significant difference in terms of psychological and sexual dimensions of life between men and women, and in these dimensions, women had lower quality of life compared to their husbands. Counseling, before and while taking contraceptive pills, could play an important role in longterm and regular use of these pills to reduce psychological and sexual problems.