PERCEPTION OF EFFICACY AND FEAR OF FAILURE: A STUDY ON TRUST IN CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS AT A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY IN WESTERN PARANÁ

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze medical students' perceptions of the effectiveness of contraceptive methods and to investigate the psychosocial factors associated with the fear of contraceptive failure. It was a quantitative, descriptive, and applied study conducted with 205 female medical students from the 4th to the 8th semester of the medical course at the Fundação Assis Gurgacz University Center in Cascavel-PR, using a structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms®. The results showed that 79% of the participants reported a fear of becoming pregnant even while using contraceptive methods, while 47.8% stated that they used more than one method simultaneously. It was also observed that psychological factors were identified as the main cause of contraceptive insecurity, even among students with access to information and gynecological care. The most frequently used methods were barrier methods and combined oral contraceptives, although long-acting reversible contraceptives have shown greater effectiveness as described in the literature. Furthermore, a significant portion of the interviewees reported insufficient institutional support related to reproductive health and contraception. It is concluded that the fear of contraceptive failure goes beyond purely technical aspects, being influenced by emotional, behavioral, and subjective factors. Therefore, the importance of strategies that integrate qualified guidance, psychological support, and the strengthening of female reproductive autonomy is highlighted.