Continuation and termination rates of some contraceptive methods in two districts of Ankara, Turkey.

PIP: Information was provided on the method-specific continuation rate and the cause-specific termination rate of the most widely used contraceptives in 2 districts of Ankara Province, Etimesgut and Golbasi. The 1st phase of the study, the baseline survey, was carried out in September 1987, when 2179 women in Etimesgut and 2827 women in Golbasi were interviewed concerning sociodemographic characteristics, reproductive and contraceptive history, and utilization of local health services. The 2nd phase was a follow-up survey conducted in September 1988. Examination of contraceptive continuation and termination was based on contraceptive use 12 months preceding and 12 months following the baseline survey. Calculation of continuation and termination rates was by Laing's life table method for calendar data. The most commonly used methods were, in order of greatest use, IUD, withdrawal, and condom. The first-method rates of IUD were quite high: of all IUD users, 75.4% in Etimesgut and 79.7% in Golbasi were continuing for 24 months, whereas the first-method continuation rates of condom, withdrawal, and modern methods were higher up to the 3rd month of acceptance but thereafter rapidly dropped. For IUD all-method rates were slightly higher than first-method rates. On the other hand, all-method rates for condom, withdrawal, and modern methods were much higher than the first-method rates, particularly after 3 months of acceptance. In 1988, 1-year failure rates of various contraceptive methods in Turkey were 4.9% for IUDs, 14.5% for condoms, 27.0% for other modern methods (excluding pill), 13.9% for withdrawal, and 11.5% for other traditional methods. In general the accidental pregnancy rates obtained were lower (particularly in Etimesgut) than the national figures. The accidental pregnancy or failure rate was lowest for IUDs, less than 1.0% at 12 months and 2.0-3.0% at 24 months in both areas, whereas the rate was 4.9% for the country. The failure rates of condom, withdrawal, and other modern and traditional methods were markedly higher.^ieng

The extent and causes of mortality among reproductive age women on three districts of Turkey.

PIP: This study attempted to determine the extent and etiology of all deaths among those of reproductive age, to examine the relationship between sociodemographic and reproductive characteristics and mortality, and to determine the level of utilization of health services among women prior to their death. Mortality rates were 5.1/10,000 in Etimesgut, 10.1/10,000 in Cubuk, and 5.1/10,000 in Nevsehir. The 5 main causes of death were: all cancers, heart disease, kidney disease, accidents, and suicide. Suicide was highest among unmarried women and it was most common under age 25. In order to achieve complete, correct, and continuous registration of health events, sufficient numbers of health personnel who have been well trained and supervised, as well as adequate transportation for clients will be essential.^ieng