Knowledge and attitude of deaf women in relation to contraceptive methods: A systematic review

Background: Communication barriers make it difficult for deaf women to access information about contraceptive methods, making them vulnerable to unplanned pregnancies. Objective: To identify knowledge and attitudes of deaf women in relation to contraceptive methods. Method: The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature, PROSPERO registry (CRD42021277635), conducted from August 2021 to April 2024. The included studies focused on knowledge and attitudes about contraception among women with deafness. Results: Twelve articles were included, with a total of 2,641 participants and those reported low knowledge about contraceptive methods. Nine studies showed withdrawal, condoms, and oral contraceptives as the best methods that deaf women know. Five studies showed low knowledge about intrauterine devices and subdermal implants. The main reasons given for abandoning the method were reproductive desire and fear of side effects. The use of hormonal contraceptives was higher among adult women and, two studies showed that among teenagers the practice of withdrawal was higher than the use of condoms. The barriers most mentioned in the eight articles for the use of contraceptives were those of communication. Conclusion: Knowledge of contraceptives among deaf women was low; however, the attitude of acceptance of the use of contraceptive methods was favorable, despite the little access to more effective methods, especially among adolescents. The factor associated with low knowledge evidenced in the systematic review was communication barriers.