Patterns of contraceptive use among female clients utilizing the public health services in Jamaica

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors which influence continued use of a family planning method. DESIGN AND METHODS: Primary data were collect from 463 women utilizing the public health services in Kingston, Jamaica. The women were interviewed at six-mon th intervals during one year to determine their patterns of contraceptive use. They were recruited fro eight health centers. RESULTS: The overall continuation rate of the sample of respondents at the end of 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months were 90 percent, 70 percent, 60 percent and 56 percent, respectively. The short- term method with the highest continuation rate (65 percent) was the injection; the pill registered the lowest continuation rate (39 percent). A respondent was more likely to use a family planning method if her partner was in favour of contraception. She was likely to continue if the method was the condom or the pill. CONCLUSION: The use of the injection should be encouraged in order to improve overall continuation rate. Efforts should be made to include the partner in the counselling of a female client.(AU)