1993 Czech Republic reproductive health survey

The Czech Republic Reproductive Health Survey was conducted in 1993 among a nationally representative sample of 4497 women aged 15-44 years. Findings were published on the following topics: pregnancy and childbearing, knowledge and use of contraceptives, use of child and maternal health services, sexuality and pregnancy among adolescents, women's health and reproductive issues, knowledge and transmission of AIDS, and demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Some of the findings included a total fertility rate of 1.87 children per woman. The median age at first birth was 22 years. 16% of pregnancies were mistimed, of which slightly over 50% were aborted. 28% of pregnancies were unwanted, of which about 4% resulted in a live birth. The abortion rate was 42/1000 women aged 15-44 years; there were 84 abortions per 100 live births. The median age at first intercourse was 17.5 years.^ 42% of adolescents did not use contraception at first intercourse; 90% of adolescent contraceptors at first intercourse used condoms or withdrawal. About 50% of adolescent respondents had ever been pregnant at the time of the survey, of which 50% were unmarried at the time of pregnancy. 10% of reproductive age women were in need of family planning services. 31% were in need of contraception, if withdrawal and natural method users were included. 75% feared side effects from modern methods. 92% had ever used contraception. 69% were current users. 22% used withdrawal, 17% condoms, 15% the IUD, and 8% oral contraceptives. 99% received prenatal care during their pregnancy, of which 92% had received ultrasound exams. 11% of women with recent live births and 31% of respondents were smokers. 5.8% of infants were low birth weight. 91% of infants were breast fed; mean duration was 3.7 months for all children. 60% of women received gynecological exams yearly. Only 3% were heavy drinkers.^ 15% were overweight. 5% considered themselves to be at risk for AIDS; 3% thought they were at low risk and 83% reported no risk.