Effectiveness of publications in family planning program
Noor Laily Abu Bakar; Tan, B.A.; Tey, N.P.; Yusuf, Y.
Malaysian Journal of Reproductive Health a Publication of the Reproductive Research Centre of the National Population and Family Development Board Malaysia 1(2): 109-119
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0127-3213 PMID: 12313333 Document Number: 202228
The aim of the present study is to evaluate the degree of exposure to to Information, Education, and Communication (I.E.C.) publications such as pamphlets and booklets on contraceptive methods among those who have attended the dialog sessions; and to investigate the effects of such exposure on contraceptive use as well as the ppropensity to talk about family planning. The survey, conducted by the National Family Planning Board and assisted by the Sciences University of Malaysia in 1978/79, covers 6 states. A total of 1190 respondents were selected from those who attended dialog sessions during that period. Of the total sample, 723 respondents (60.8%) were contacted and interviewed. The I.E.C. publications evaluated in this survey include booklets on methods of contraception; pamphlets on the pill, IUD, condom, rhythm method, tubal ligation, vasectomy; booklets on responsible parenthood, flip charts and posters. 61% of the respondents have been exposed to at least 1 form of the I.E.C. materials. About 17 to 18% of currently married respondents have been exposed to pamphlets on tubal ligation, rhythm methods, IUD and condom; 22% have been exposed to pamphlets on the pill and 43% to booklets on contraceptive methods. In gerneral, those who have been exposed to pamphlets on a particular method were more likely to use that method. Among those who have been exposed to pamphlets on the pill 26.4% were using the pill compared to 16.2% who have not been exposed. The proportion of condom users were 3 times more after exposure to pamphlets on the condom: 16% vs. 4.7%. About 50% of currently married respondents were using a contraceptive method at the time of the survey. Of those who have not been exposed to I.E.C. materials, only 34.4% were using a method, compared to 53-60% of those who had been exposed. Exposure to I.E.C. materials and its interaction with ethnicity act as the most important factor in accounting for the differntials in contraceptive use, both in the bivariate context and multivariate context. For all 3 ethnic groups studied -- Malays, Chinese, Indians--those who have been exposed to I.E.C. publications appear to be more vocal about family planning than those who have not. Tables and charts illustrate detailed results of the study.