Community-based factors affecting contraceptive use patterns and discontinuation over the female reproductive life span: a preliminary anthropological assessment
Yoddumnern-attig, B.; Podhisita, C.
Warasan Prachakon Lae Sangkhom 1(2): 151-156
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0857-717X PMID: 12282231 Document Number: 321960
This paper's thrust is to identify community variables influencing acceptance, continuation and discontinuation of contraceptive use. Anthropological methods were used in the Southern (i.e., Trang province) and Northeastern (i.e., Surin province) regions of Thailand from June 1987-April 1988. 4 research villages were selected for study, with 2 being located in each province. The main general finding is that community-based factors affecting contraceptive discontinuation must be examined diachronically. Specifically, changes occur as a woman passes through 3 key stages of her reproductive life span: Stage 1: Pre-Childbearing; Stage 2: Childbearing and Childrearing; and Stage 3: Family Size Achievement. The mechanisms involve community norms and beliefs which come into differential play through separate types of community social networks. These are activated as information on contraception is sought. The most common social network forms are intimate, effective and extended networks, but their degree of influence differs between regions.