Demanda por contracepção no Brasil em 2006: contribuição para a implementação das preferências de fecundidade / Demand for contraception in Brazil in 2006: contribution to the implementation of fertility preferences

Resumo Este estudo buscou estimar a demanda por contracepção no Brasil a partir dos últimos dados disponíveis e identificar possíveis associações entre características sociodemográficas e econômicas das mulheres com a ocorrência desse fenômeno. Para isso, utilizaram-se dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Demografia e Saúde da Mulher e da Criança (PNDS) de 2006 e o método de estimação revisado por Bradley et al. (2012). Apesar do elevado percentual de uso de contracepção no Brasil, estimou-se uma necessidade não atendida por planejamento da fecundidade de 8,3% entre mulheres casadas/unidas de 15 a 49 anos. Isto é, existe um grupo específico de mulheres (no início e no final da vida reprodutiva, de estratos econômicos inferiores, evangélicas e sem religião) que não gostariam de ter mais filhos ou tê-los mais tardiamente e não conseguem fazê-lo devido à falta de acesso aos meios de regulação da fecundidade. Conclui-se que houve uma irrisória redução da demanda em relação à 1996 e com isso, tem-se reforçada a necessidade de investimentos públicos focalizados para que se consiga reduzir os níveis e diferenciais da demanda não atendida por contracepção no país e se tenha garantido os direitos de implementação das preferências reprodutivas.

Abstract This study aimed to estimate the demand for contraception in Brazil from the latest available data and identify possible associations between the sociodemographic and economic characteristics of women and the occurrence of this phenomenon. For this, we used data from the National Demographic and Health of Women and Children (PNDS) 2006 database and the estimation method reviewed by Bradley et al. (2012). Despite the high percentage of contraceptive use in Brazil, there was an estimated unmet fertility planning need in 8.3% of married/partnered women aged 15-49 years. That is, there was a specific group of women (at the beginning and end of their reproductive life, in the lower economic strata, evangelical and without religion) who wanted to have more children or have them later and failed to do so due to a lack of access to fertility regulation means. It was concluded that there was a negligible reduction in demand compared to 1996, which has reinforced the need to focus public investments to achieve lower unmet contraception demand differentials in the country and has guaranteed the implementation of the rights of reproductive preferences.

Evaluation of Primary Health Care attributes of Fortaleza city, Ceará State, Brazil / Evaluación de los atributos de la Atención Primaria de Salud de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil / Avaliação dos atributos da Atenção Primária à Saúde de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the Primary Health Care attributes of Fortaleza city, Ceará State. Method: Evaluative study carried out at 97 Primary Health Care Units, from August 2015 to June 2016. 451 professionals from the Family Health Strategy participated in the study. We used the Primary Care Assessment Tool - Brazil, which evaluates the attributes, assigning scores on a scale of zero to ten. We adopted as a cut-off point, to consider high Primary Care score, attributes with a value of 6.60 or higher. Results: Among the eight attributes evaluated the First Contact Access and the Coordination - Information System were the ones that obtained the lowest and highest scores, (2.98) and (7.82), respectively. The Overall Score, calculated by means of a mean of the attributes, was 6.34. Conclusion: The Primary Care evaluated had a low score, showing the need to discuss mechanisms to boost the attributes that obtained low scores.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar los atributos de la Atención Primaria d Salud de Fortaleza-CE. Método: Estudio evaluatorio realizado en 97 Unidades de Atención Primaria a la Salud, en el período de agosto de 2015 a junio de 2016. Participaron de la encuesta 451 profesionales de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia. Se utilizó el Primary Care Assessment Tool - Brasil, que evalúa los atributos, asignando escores en una escala de cero a diez. Se adoptaron como punto de corte, para considerar la puntuación alta de la Atención Primaria, los atributos con un valor igual o superior a 6,60. Resultados: Entre los ocho atributos evaluados, el Acceso de primer contacto y la Coordinación - sistema de informaciones, fueron los que obtuvieron menor y mayor puntaje (2,98) y (7,82), respectivamente. La Escala General, calculada a través de un promedio de los atributos, fue de 6,34. Conclusión La Atención Primaria evaluada obtuvo bajo puntaje, demostrando la necesidad de discutir mecanismos para impulsar los atributos que obtuvieron escores bajos.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os atributos da Atenção Primária à Saúde de Fortaleza, Ceará. Método: Estudo avaliativo realizado em 97 Unidades de Atenção Primária à Saúde, no período de agosto de 2015 a junho de 2016. Participaram da pesquisa 451 profissionais da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Foi utilizado o Primary Care Assessment Tool - Brasil, que avalia os atributos, atribuindo escores em uma escala de zero a dez. Adotaram-se como ponto de corte, para considerar escore alto da Atenção Primária, os atributos com valor igual ou superior a 6,60. Resultados: Dentre os oito atributos avaliados, o Acesso de primeiro contato e a Coordenação - sistema de informações, foram os que obtiveram menor e maior escore, (2,98) e (7,82), respectivamente. O Escore Geral, calculado através de uma média dos atributos, foi de 6,34. Conclusão: A Atenção Primária avaliada obteve baixo escore, demonstrando a necessidade de se discutir mecanismos para impulsionar os atributos que obtiveram escores baixos.

Evaluation of the offer of family planning services in a rural area of the Bamboutos division in the west region of Cameroon: a cross sectional study

Background and aim. The rate of utilization of contraceptive methods in Cameroon is low. The western region has a high fecundicity index and among the women in union using any contraception (30.2%), only 32.5% of them are using a modern method. This study aimed at improving the offer of family planning (FP) services by identifying factors limiting its expansion. Methods. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study from 1st January to 31st December 2011 in the Bamboutous health district of the West region of Cameroon. We included exhaustively public and private health institutions. The characteristics of health institutions, providers and various FP services offered were obtained from registers and interview of health care providers. Data was analyzed using Epi info software version 3.5.1. Results. Of the 68 health facilities in the Bamboutous health district, 25 (36.8%) offered FP services. Among them, 18 were public (72%), 21(84%) had been existing for over 5-years period and the service offer was integrated (88%). There was often no pipe-borne water (72%). Eighteen of 25 FP institutions had no personnel who had ever received any formal training in FP (72%). Unmet contraceptive need was estimated at 34.7%. The different contraceptive methods received by women were more often injectables (37.3%) and implants (12.6%). Male condom represents 30.8%. Conclusion. The health services in the Bamboutous division are poorly furnished with FP activities in spite of met-needs of 65.3%. Improving on the service offer for FP as well as the training of health care providers is highly recommended

Preconception health behaviors associated with pregnancy planning status among Brazilian women / Preparación pre concepcional entre mujeres brasileñas y la relación con la planificación del embarazo / Preparo pré-concepcional entre mulheres brasileiras e a relação com o planejamento da gravidez

Abstract OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to assess preconception health behaviors among Brazilian women, and analyze the effect of pregnancy planning status in carrying out preconception measures. METHOD This is a cross-sectional quantitative study conducted with 807 women, of whom 649 had a planned or ambivalent pregnancy. Preconception health behaviors were assessed by the Brazilian version of the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy. RESULTS Preconception health behaviors were performed by only 15.9% of women. Among those who planned their pregnancy, less than half completed a health measure (47.0%); the most common was seeking medical assistance and improving the diet. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a strong association between the preconception health behaviors and a planned pregnancy (adjusted OR = 16.77; 95% CI: 9.47-29.81). Age over 30 years, paid work, and the time interval between menarche and first sexual intercourse were also associated with completing preconception measures CONCLUSION The low frequency of preconception health measures, even among women who planned their pregnancy, indicates the urgency of including preconception care on the agenda of public health policies in Brazil.

OBJETIVO Medir la realización de la preparación pre concepcional, describir las medidas adoptadas como preparación pre concepcional y analizar el efecto de la planificación del embarazo en la preparación pre concepcional. MÉTODO Estudio cuantitativo, del tipo transversal, conducido con 807 mujeres, de las cuales 649 tenían embarazo planificado o ambivalente. La preparación pre concepcional fue medida mediante el London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy , versión Brasil. RESULTADOS La preparación pre concepcional fue realizada por solo el 15,9% de las mujeres. Entre las que planificaron el embarazo, menos de la mitad realizó alguna preparación (47,0%), siendo las más frecuentes haber buscado asistencia médica y cambios en la alimentación. El análisis de regresión logística múltiple mostró fuerte asociación entre la realización de la preparación pre concepcional y la planificación del embarazo (ORajustado=16,77; IC95% 9,47-29,81). La edad superior a 30 años, el trabajo remunerado y el intervalo de tiempo entre la menarca y la primera relación sexual también estuvieron asociados con la realización de la preparación pre concepcional. CONCLUSIÓN La baja frecuencia de realización de preparación pre concepcional, aun entre mujeres con embarazo planificado, señala la urgencia de incluirse el cuidado pre concepcional en la agenda de políticas públicas de salud.

Resumo OBJETIVO Mensurar a realização do preparo pré-concepcional, descrever as medidas adotadas como preparo pré-concepcional e analisar o efeito do planejamento da gravidez na realização do preparo pré-concepcional. MÉTODO: Estudo quantitativo, do tipo transversal, conduzido com 807 mulheres, das quais 649 tinham gravidez planejada ou ambivalente. O preparo pré-concepcional foi mensurado a partir do London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy , versão Brasil. RESULTADOS: O preparo pré-concepcional foi realizado por apenas 15,9% das mulheres. Dentre as que planejaram a gravidez, menos da metade realizou algum preparo (47,0%), sendo os mais frequentes ter procurado assistência médica e mudanças na alimentação. Análise de regressão logística múltipla mostrou forte associação entre a realização do preparo pré-concepcional e o planejamento da gravidez (ORajustado=16,77; IC95% 9,47-29,81). A idade acima de 30 anos, o trabalho remunerado e o intervalo de tempo entre a menarca e a primeira relação sexual também estiveram associados à realização do preparo pré-concepcional. CONCLUSÃO: A baixa frequência de realização de preparo pré-concepcional, mesmo entre mulheres com gravidez planejada, indica a urgência de se incluir o cuidado pré-concepcional na agenda de políticas públicas de saúde.

Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and behavior of Turkish university students regarding family planning / Avaliação de conhecimento, atitude e comportamento de alunos de universidade turca com relação a planejamento familiar / Evaluación de conocimientos, actitud y comportamiento de estudiantes universitarios de Turquía respecto de planificación familiar

Research conducted to define general knowledge of university students' attitudes and behaviors about family planning. The sample consisted of 755 Sakarya University students. Data were collected from an open-ended questionnaire form and face-to-face interviews. The data analysis process was conducted using specific software. Most participants (59.7%) were over 22 years old and female, and 1.2 % of the females were married. Women in the study had a positive outlook regarding the positive effects of family planning on sexual health and stated that family planning is important to both society and our economy. The awareness and knowledge regarding family planning was found to be strongest among older participants. The family planning concept was understood correctly by about half of the students. Finally, young people did not have sufficient knowledge about family planning, its methods or where to obtain information on the topic.

Pesquisa foi realizada para definir o conhecimento das atitudes e comportamento dos estudantes universitários sobre planejamento familiar. Estudo envolveu 755 alunos da Universidade Sakarya. Os dados foram coletados de um questionário aberto e técnica face a face. A análise de dados foi feita com um software específico. A maioria dos participantes (59,7 %) com mais de 22 anos foi feminina e 1,2% casadas. As mulheres no estudo têm uma visão positiva dos efeitos do planejamento familiar na saúde sexual e declararam sua importância para a sociedade e economia. A conscientização e conhecimento sobre planejamento familiar foram considerados positivos entre os participantes mais velhos. O conceito de planejamento foi entendido corretamente por cerca de metade dos alunos. Finalmente, os jovens não tinham conhecimento suficiente sobre planejamento familiar, seus métodos ou onde buscar informações sobre o assunto.

Investigación que objetivó definir conocimientos generales de estudiantes universitarios y su actitud y comportamiento acerca de planificación familiar. Muestra constituida por 755 estudiantes de la Universidad de Sakarya. Datos obtenidos mediante preguntas abiertas efectuadas presencialmente. Se analizaron los resultados utilizando software específico. La mayoría de los participantes (59,7%) tenía más de 22 años, pertenecía al sexo femenino, 1,2% de ellos estaba casado. Las mujeres participantes poseían una visión positiva del efecto benéfico de la planificación familiar en la salud sexual, y establecieron que la planificación familiar es importante a nivel social y económico. La percepción y conocimientos acerca de planificación familiar resultó ser más positiva entre las participantes de mayor edad. El concepto de planificación familiar era entendido correctamente por aproximadamente la mitad de los estudiantes. Se concluye en que la juventud no poseía conocimientos suficientes sobre planificación familiar, sus métodos o de cómo obtener información respecto del tema.

Family Planning and its Implications

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest average fertility rate in the world. In 2009; the average number of births per woman was 5.1-more than twice as many as in South Asia (2.8) or Latin America and the Caribbean (2.2) [1]. More than 100 million women in less developed countries; or about 17 percent of all married women; would prefer to avoid a pregnancy but are not using any form of family planning.[4].Currently; approximately 24.8 percent of African women have unmet needs for family planning; this simply means 24.8 million women of reproductive age who prefer to avoid or postpone childbearing are not using any method of contraception.[5] .Objective: To make a review of trends of family planning practice in Sub Saharan Africa from 1980 to 2010 among women of reproductive age.Methodology: Meta-analysis of detailed literature by authors of articles published since 1980 from various sources; including Demographic Health Survey of 1990 to 1995 and 2000 to 2005; and of the current 2010 from Sub-Saharan Africa such as SDHS and TDHS; and observation on relationship between family planning use and fertility in Africa. Findings: An analysis of fertility trends in 23 countries of Sub-Saharan Africa from 1980 to 1995 showed that in two-thirds of the countries there was evidence of fertility decline; with a particularly rapid decline in Kenya and Zimbabwe[7].Furthermore 2010 statistics show the African total fertility rate to be standing at 4.7. These rates reflect contraceptive prevalence of these specific regions.Generally in all world regions; contraceptive use corresponds with fertility patterns.[12;13]. In regions where contraceptive use is widespread; fertility is low but in regions where contraceptive use is uncommon; fertility is high.[14;15]Conclusion: The paper has shown that the high fertility pattern in Africa is among others; a result of the ineffectiveness of family planning programs.Recomendation: The overall low rate of contraceptive prevalence and high unmet need for family planning suggests the need for African national governments and population policy makers to rethink access to contraceptives

Initiation of effective postpartum contraceptive use in public hospitals in Guatemala / Inicio de un método anticonceptivo eficaz durante el puerperio en hospitales públicos de Guatemala

OBJECTIVE: Low frequency of effective contraceptive use remains a challenging problem. This article examines the frequency of effective postpartum contraception and the methods used before discharge in public hospitals in Guatemala. It also discusses the need to implement best practices in providing family-planning and contraceptive services. METHODS: In March 2006, a surveillance system was implemented to collect data on the initiation of effective contraceptive methods. Postpartum women were monitored in 34 public hospitals. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed, and a chi-square test for linear trends was used to compare female surgical sterilization rates after vaginal delivery and cesarean section. RESULTS: Between 1 March 2006 and 31 December 2008, of the 218 656 women who had a postpartum event, 31 percent received an effective contraceptive method before hospital discharge. The frequency of initiation of effective postpartum methods varied across hospitals. Hospital results were consistent with national data on women of reproductive age. Among women who underwent surgical sterilization, differences between those who had delivered vaginally and those who had a cesarean section were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The overall frequency of initiation of effective postpartum contraceptive use is low in public hospitals in Guatemala. It is higher, however, in hospitals at lower health care levels with strong community ties. Routine data collection revealed specific areas for improvement, particularly the need to enhance health providers' knowledge of medical eligibility criteria for effective contraceptive use postpartum. The priority is to promote the provision of highquality family-planning and contraceptive services in Guatemala's public health system.

OBJETIVO: La baja frecuencia del uso de métodos anticonceptivos eficaces sigue siendo un arduo problema. En este artículo se analiza la frecuencia con que se adopta un método de anticoncepción eficaz durante el puerperio y los diferentes métodos anticonceptivos empleados antes del egreso de los hospitales públicos de Guatemala. También se analiza la necesidad de mejorar las prácticas de los servicios de planificación familiar y anticoncepción. MÉTODOS: En marzo del 2006, se implantó un sistema de vigilancia para recopilar datos sobre el inicio de métodos anticonceptivos eficaces. Se hizo un seguimiento de mujeres durante el puerperio en 34 hospitales públicos. Se llevaron a cabo análisis de una sola variable y de dos variables, y se utilizó la prueba de la chi al cuadrado de las tendencias lineales con objeto de comparar las tasas de esterilización quirúrgica femenina después del parto vaginal y la cesárea. RESULTADOS: Entre el 1 de marzo del 2006 y el 31 de diciembre del 2008, de las 218 656 mujeres a las que se les hizo un seguimiento durante el puerperio, en 31 por ciento se inició un método anticonceptivo eficaz antes del alta hospitalaria. La frecuencia de inicio de un método anticonceptivo eficaz en el puerperio varió entre los diferentes hospitales. Los resultados hospitalarios concordaron con los datos nacionales sobre las mujeres en edad fecunda. En las mujeres que se sometieron a esterilización quirúrgica, las diferencias entre las que habían dado a luz por vía vaginal y las sometidas a una cesárea fueron estadísticamente significativas. CONCLUSIONES: En general, existe una baja frecuencia de inicio de un método anticonceptivo eficaz durante el puerperio en los hospitales públicos de Guatemala. Sin embargo, es mayor en los hospitales de inferior nivel de atención de salud cuyos vínculos con la comunidad son intensos. La recopilación sistemática de datos reveló que determinadas áreas debían ser objeto de mejora, en particular era necesario mejorar el conocimiento de los proveedores de servicios de salud en materia de criterios médicos sobre la indicación del uso de un método anticonceptivo eficaz durante el puerperio. La promoción de la provisión de servicios de planificación familiar y anticoncepción de alta calidad en el sistema de salud pública de Guatemala constituye una prioridad.

Family Planning in a Family Health Unit / Planejamento familiar em Unidade de Saúde da Família / Planificación familiar en Unidad de Salud de la Familia

The aim of this study was to identify the care provided by health professionals who work in family planning, in a Family Health Unit in the municipality of Ribeirao Preto, São Paulo. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional and quali-quantitative study. Data were collected through interviews with 11 health professionals. The results revealed that most professionals had not received training in family planning, and that information about contraceptive methods is transmitted in an individual way, having women as the target-public. The contraceptive methods which the professionals suggest and offer more are those considered most effective. These findings indicate that family planning care at the Family Health Unit needs to be adjusted not only to ensure quality of service, but also to ensure sexual and reproductive rights.

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a assistência oferecida pelos profissionais de saúde que atuam em planejamento familiar, em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família, no município de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo. Trata-se de estudo descritivo, com corte transversal e abordagem quali-quantitativa. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista com 11 profissionais da saúde. Os resultados revelaram que a maioria dos profissionais não recebeu capacitação em planejamento familiar, sendo que a informação sobre os métodos anticoncepcionais é transmitida de forma individual, tendo como público-alvo as mulheres. Os métodos anticoncepcionais, considerados mais eficazes, são aqueles sobre os quais os profissionais mais orientam e oferecem. Os achados apontam que a assistência em planejamento familiar na Unidade de Saúde da Família necessita de adequações, não só para assegurar a qualidade do serviço prestado como também para assegurar direitos sexuais e reprodutivos.

El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar la asistencia ofrecida por los profesionales de la salud que actúan en la planificación familiar, en una Unidad de Salud de la Familia, en el municipio de Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo con corte transversal y abordaje cuali-cuantitativo. Los datos fueron recolectados por medio de entrevista con 11 profesionales de la salud. Los resultados revelaron que la mayoría de los profesionales no recibió capacitación en planificación familiar, siendo que la información sobre los métodos anti-conceptivos es trasmitida de forma individual, teniendo como público objetivo a las mujeres. Los métodos anticonceptivos considerados más eficaces son aquellos sobre los cuales los profesionales más orientan y ofrecen. Los hallazgos apuntan que la asistencia en planificación familiar en la Unidad de Salud de la Familia necesita de adecuaciones, no sólo para asegurar la calidad del servicio prestado, como también para asegurar los derechos sexuales y reproductivos.

Atendimento à demanda pela esterilização cirúrgica na Região Metropolitana de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil: percepção de gestores e profissionais dos serviços públicos de saúde / Provision of voluntary surgical sterilization in the Campinas Metropolitan Area, São Paulo State, Brazil: perceptions of public health services managers and professionals

A presente pesquisa descreve a percepção de gestores e profissionais de serviços públicos de saúde de municípios da Região Metropolitana de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil, acerca do atendimento à demanda pela esterilização cirúrgica voluntária. Trata-se de estudo qualitativo, em quatro municípios, onde se realizaram entrevistas semi-estruturadas com 26 gestores e profissionais de saúde envolvidos no atendimento às solicitações de esterilização cirúrgica. Apontaram-se dificuldades para agendamento de consultas nos ambulatórios de planejamento familiar ou centros de referência e número insuficiente de cirurgias que podiam ser agendadas semanalmente nos hospitais credenciados. Enfatizou-se a falta de estrutura física e recursos humanos tanto nas unidades básicas de saúde, quanto nos ambulatórios de planejamento familiar ou centros de referência. Houve críticas aos critérios legais para autorizar a esterilização, bem como se mencionaram adaptações para torná-los mais adequados à situação de cada município. Gestores e profissionais de saúde entendiam que, apesar dos esforços empenhados, o atendimento à demanda pela esterilização cirúrgica na Região Metropolitana de Campinas estava prejudicado pela centralização em ambulatórios de planejamento familiar ou centros de referência, que, na prática, tinham que suprir as deficiências da oferta de ações de planejamento familiar em geral na rede básica de cada município.

This study describes the perceptions of public health services managers and professionals concerning provision of voluntary surgical sterilization in the Campinas Metropolitan Area, São Paulo State, Brazil. The study adopted a qualitative approach in four municipalities (counties), where semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 health professionals and health services managers involved in the provision of surgical sterilization. The interviewees identified difficulties in scheduling visits at Outpatient Family Clinics or Reference Centers (APF/CR), and the number of available surgeries in the accredited hospitals was insufficient. They emphasized the lack of physical infrastructure and human resources for conducting family planning activities in the primary health units as well as in the APF/CR.They also criticized the legal criteria for authorizing surgical sterilization, and mentioned adaptations to make them more appropriate to the each municipality's situation. According to the health services managers and professionals, despite the efforts, meeting the demand for surgical sterilization in the Campinas Metropolitan Area was jeopardized by its centralization in the APF/CR, which in practice had to cover the gap in family planning activities in each municipality's primary care units.

Factors Influencing Utilization of Modern Family Planning Service 37-42Among Women of Child Bearing Age (15-49 Years) in the University of Calabar Hospital; Calabar

This study investigated factors influencing utilization of modern family planning services among women of childbearing age (15-49 years) in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital; Calabar. Three research questions and three hypotheses were formulated. Descriptive survey design was adopted for it. Using accidental sampling technique; 150 women of childbearing age were selected to constitute the sample. Data were collected using a 22-item questionnaire while data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using percentages and contingency Chi-square. Results obtained indicated that religious background of the women significantly relates to utilization of modern family planning services; (P0.05;df3; critical x2 value Key Words: Factors; Utilization; Family Planning; Women of Child Bearing Age

One-year assessment of women receiving sub-dermal contraceptive implant at Siriraj Family Planning Clinic.

BACKGROUND: The single-rod Implantable contraceptive method, called 'Implanon', has been introduced for use in Thailand since the 1990s. The outstanding attribute was that it requires only a few minutes for insertion and removal as it has only one capsule. The single-rod implant was used in women at Siriraj Hospital in 2006. The present study looked at characteristics of women, complications of insertion and removal, menstrual events that occurred to women during one year of use and reason for removal of the method. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a retrospective clinic based study. All women's record files were examined at Siriraj Hospital's Family Planning Clinic. There were 166 women enrolled to undergo this method, and only 89 women (54.6%) came back for the one-year follow-up visit. Women's accounts on irregularity of menses, complaints during method used and reason for discontinuation, pregnancy and body weight change were assessed. RESULTS: Most women (68%) using the implant contraceptive method were 29 years of age with 74% of vocational or lower education. Their BMI was 22.66 +/- 4.06 Insertion time was about 1 minute with no difficulty or complication. Of those women, 40.4% of them considered having regular menstrual cycle and 30.3% had regular menstrual flow for a few months alternately with no menses for a few months. Prolonged menstrual bleeding was the most complaint in this group of women. Amenorrhoea was also reported. Vertigo had occurred to some women without reported medication. One woman asked for the removal of the method due to pain at the implanted site after 8 months of use. Removal time was around 2-3 minutes. There was no pregnancy that occurred in the course of one year of use. CONCLUSION: Of 89 women using the implant contraceptive method, menstrual irregularity was the important issue that women complained about. However, the removal of the method in one woman was due to the pain at the implanted site. There was no difficulty or complications in insertion or removal of the implant. Close counseling about side effects of the method is emphasized during use to maintain long-term use or until completion of the duration of the device.

Study of socio-demographic and health status of the people of Duwakot VDC, Bhaktapur district.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To know the population pattern, socio-economic status, socio cultural aspect and common prevailing disease of the Duwakot VDC of Bhaktapur district. METHODOLOGY: This is a cross sectional descriptive study. Out of total 206 household, only 120 houses were purposively selected for the survey. A set of semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the representative member of the sample households. RESULTS: Report obtained from the household survey, ward no. 3 and 4 of Duwakot, the total population of 120 household was found to be 658 and out of that male population was 329 and female population was also 329. That means 50% of population was male and 50% of population was female. Family size refers to the total number of people in the family. The family size depends upon numerous factors like duration of marriage, education of the people. Family planning services will promote the democratic principle that individuals be free to make choices for themselves. It is clear from the table that the more number of males than female respondents knew the family planning methods. Family planning helps not only to attain birth control, proper spacing and limitation of birth but also reduce the population growth and improve over all maternal and child health status including socio economic status. Out of 43 children, BCG, DPT, polio was taken by all children whereas 38 (88.4%) children had taken measles vaccine due to the age less than 9 months and only 5 (11.6%) children were found taken hepatitis B vaccine. It may be due to new invention.

Awareness and pattern of utilizing family planning services among women attending urban health care center Azizabad Sukkur

To assess level of awareness and pattern of utilizing family planning services among women [15-49 years] of reproductive age at Urban Health Center, Azizabad Sukkur, Sindh. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2005 at Urban Health Care Center Azizabad Sukkur. Two hundred women of reproductive age group were interviewed by using a PRE tested semi structured questionnaire visiting the health care center during the study period. Information was obtained after taking informed consent regarding socio demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and pattern of utilizing family planning services. The data was entered and analyzed by using statistical package SPSS version 13. About 75% of women and 42.5% husbands were found illiterate, 85% women were housewives, 69.5% were married before 18 years of age and 54% had nuclear family. Regarding desired number of children women responded one child [3%], 2-3 children [11%], 4-5 [37.5%], more than five children [36%], 5.5% said that children are God gifted and 7% did not answer. About 60% of women reported use of at least one contraceptive method and 40% had never used any contraceptive method. The women who received counseling from the health care provider were 48.5% and only 6% received information through media. Religious prohibition, shortage of female staff and cost of family planning contraceptive methods were the main reasons identified for not utilizing contraceptive methods. The unsatisfactory variables were long waiting hours at the center, non-availability of contraceptive, shortage of the female staff and cost. Limited number of women was aware and practice contraception in the area and utilization of family planning services were low. The efforts should be made for providing information to couple and improving quality of family planning services in the area

Factors Related to the Uptake of Natural Family Planning by Clients of Catholic Health Units in Masaka Diocese; Uganda

Globally and locally in Uganda; family planning (FP) is promoted to enable individuals and couples to space and limit childbirth. FP promotion is based on demographic and health concerns and basic human rights. Clients can use either artificial family planning (AFP) or natural family planning (NFP) methods but none is 100effective. Whereas NFP methods are known to be free from side effects; with no continuous costs; and widely accepted by most religions and cultures; most clients use AFP methods despite their many side effects and costs. The Roman Catholic Church (RCC) opposes AFP methods on fundamental grounds such as the definition of the onset of life and the purpose of sexual union. Additional reasons fronted by the church include the potential misuse of AFP methods and the false sense of security they impart to the users. This study set out to find out how health services under the RCC promote the use of NFP methods in an area of heavy RCC presence; and how these efforts translate into uptake of the methods. It shows that despite the recommendation of NFP methods; RCC health units did not have staff trained in promoting and offering NFP methods. There were no budgets; supplies; registers; teaching AIDS; and no records of NFP clients were kept. No space for NFP clinics was provided and there was no arrangement for continuous professional education (CPE) for NFP providers. Basic knowledge about NFP e.g. the role of breastfeeding and periodic abstinence was acquired from friends. Knowledge about NFP methods was insufficient among clients to the services and in some health workers. Most of the respondents; of which 76( 154/202) were Catholics had more information about AFP methods and knew where to access them. The study recommends that RCC authorities in Uganda; as the main champions of NFP; need to provide political commitment to NFP; invest more in and reinvigorate the teaching of NFP methods through their structures. In addition; there is need for support supervision on NFP access and use within RCC health facilities

Knowledge and practices of Saudi women regarding family planning methods

The aim of this study was to identify knowledge and practices of Saudi women regarding family planning methods. An exploratory cross-sectional descriptive study implemented at the Maternity and Gynecologic clinics affiliated to King Fahd University Hospital in Alkhobar, Eastern Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A convenient sample of 174 women who attended the previously mentioned setting during the period August first to November thirty 2006 constituted the study sample. A specially designed interview questionnaire was developed and validated by the researcher was used to collect the necessary data. The findings of the study revealed that, majority of the study sample [90.8%] know the oral contraception and 39.2% of them did not know how to use, 83.9% know the intrauterine devices while only 16.1 % know the coitus interrupts, 65.8% and 76.0% respectively did not know the mode of action of the intrauterine devices and the oral contraception, 36.8% know safe period compared to 121.1% know vaginal pessaries. 55.2% of the study sample their source of knowledge were their friends. The findings also revealed that, the majority of the study sample [79.9%] were more likely to use modern contraception, more than three quarters [79.1%] of the study sample were more likely to discontinue the contraception and about two thirds [62.7%] refer discontinuation to appearance of side effects. Regarding the methods most commonly used it was observed that, more than two thirds [70.7%] were more likely to use oral contraception, more than one quarter [27.0%] were more likely to use intrauterine devices, condom was used by only 12.1% and coitus interrupts used by only 5.7% of the study sample, the most common side effects reported by the study sample was menstrual disturbance [23.0%], hypertension [14.3%] and 10.8% reported irritability and nervousness as a side effects. The main recommendations were, Official family planning services must be available to secure healthy practices of family planning. In Saudi Arabia family planning should be viewed as a benefits for the mothers and child health, needs for family planning programs grunted by purposes for maternal and child health. General family planning education of the public, with special emphasis on the danger of too short too many pregnancies on the mothers and children

Adolescencia y Embarazo: diagnóstico de la situación e impacto de los programas de salud sexual en un efecto sanitario de la ciudad de Córdoba / Adolescence and Pregnancy: analysis of the situation and impact of sexual health programs in a sanitary effect from the city of Córdoba

El embarazo en la adolescencia es reconocido por las distintas organizaciones internacionales como un problema de Salud Pública. Unos de los objetivos de las politicas públicas es prevenirlos, sin embargo la proporcion de embarazos en la adolescencia no se ha modificado en las Américas. Muchos autores reconocen la falta de conocimiento sobre la sexualidad y el acceso a los diferentes métodos anticonceptivos (MAC) como causas primordiales de esta problemática. Desde la mirada de los multidimencionalidad, las causales están teñidas de factores socioculturales. Con el espíritu de abordar este fenómeno desde la realidad local se realiza un estudio Descriptivo Ecploratorio de corte Transversal con el objeto de realizar un diagnóstico situacional, desde una visión cualicuantitativa, por medio de entrevistas a diferentes actores comunitarios e institucionales; y de conocer el impacto del programa de Salud Sexual, por medio de análisis de la tasa de embarazo en la adolescencia, para así evaluar y redefinir participativamente las políticas públicas. Todo esto en el contexto de un efector del primer nivel de Atención de Salud (UPAS Nº 15) en la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina.

Modelos de regresión para variables expresadas como una proporción continua / Regression models for variables expressed as a continuous proportion

OBJETIVO: Describir algunas de las alternativas estadísticas disponibles para el estudio de proporciones continuas y comparar los distintos modelos que existen para evidenciar sus ventajas y desventajas, mediante su aplicación a un ejemplo práctico del ámbito de la salud pública. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Con base en la Encuesta Nacional de Salud Reproductiva realizada en el año 2003, se modeló la proporción de cobertura individual en el programa de planificación familiar -propuesta en un estudio previo realizado en el Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública en Cuernavaca, Morelos, México (2005)- mediante el uso de los modelos de regresión normal, gama, beta y de quasi-verosimilitud. La variante del criterio de información de Akaike (AIC) que propusieron McQuarrie y Tsai se utilizó para definir el mejor modelo. A continuación, y mediante simulación (enfoque Monte Carlo/cadenas de Markov), se generó una variable con distribución beta para evaluar el comportamiento de los cuatro modelos al variar el tamaño de la muestra desde 100 hasta 18 000 observaciones. RESULTADOS: Los resultados muestran que la mejor opción estadística para el análisis de proporciones continuas es el modelo de regresión beta, de acuerdo con sus supuestos y el valor de AIC. La simulación mostró que a medida que aumenta el tamaño de la muestra, el modelo gama y, en especial, el modelo de quasi-verosimilitud se aproximan en grado significativo al modelo beta. CONCLUSIONES: Para la modelación de proporciones continuas se recomienda emplear el enfoque paramétrico de la regresión beta y evitar el uso del modelo normal. Si se tiene un tamaño de muestra grande, el uso del enfoque de quasi-verosimilitud representa una buena alternativa.

OBJECTIVE: To describe some of the statistical alternatives available for studying continuous proportions and to compare them in order to show their advantages and disadvantages by means of their application in a practical example of the Public Health field. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From the National Reproductive Health Survey performed in 2003, the proportion of individual coverage in the family planning program -proposed in one study carried out in the National Institute of Public Health in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico (2005)- was modeled using the Normal, Gamma, Beta and quasi-likelihood regression models. The Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) proposed by McQuarrie and Tsai was used to define the best model. Then, using a simulation (Monte Carlo/Markov Chains approach) a variable with a Beta distribution was generated to evaluate the behavior of the 4 models while varying the sample size from 100 to 18 000 observations. RESULTS: Results showed that the best statistical option for the analysis of continuous proportions was the Beta regression model, since its assumptions are easily accomplished and because it had the lowest AIC value. Simulation evidenced that while the sample size increases the Gamma, and even more so the quasi-likelihood, models come significantly close to the Beta regression model. CONCLUSIONS: The use of parametric Beta regression is highly recommended to model continuous proportions and the normal model should be avoided. If the sample size is large enough, the use of quasi-likelihood model represents a good alternative.

Prevalence and determinants of unmet need for family planning in a district of eastern region of Nepal.

OBJECTIVES: The unmet need for family planning is defined as the discrepancy between individual's contraceptive behaviors and their stated fertility preferences--The extent of which is very high in developing countries like Nepal. This study explores the unmet need and its determinants. METHODS: Among the teaching district of B.P. Koirala institute of Health Sciences, in the Eastern Region of Nepal, a district was selected randomly to conduct a cross-sectional study. A total of 1079 women were selected using systematic random sampling. We compared different demographic variables and sex-ration to unmet need by using means, percentage and applied chi-squared test where applicable. RESULT: The extent of unmet need is 25 percent with 9.5 percent for spacing and 15.5 percent for limiting. The mean age at marriage is 16(+/-3.2) years. A strong association of gender preferences towards male child and unmet need exist, which is highly significant. CONCLUSION: Unmet need is high despite extensive family planning program in Nepal. Mean age at marriage below legal age, low female education and gender discrimination are the factors responsible for unmet need.