Satisfied adopters for diffusion of family planning: a study on strategy for improving programme
Mahadevan, K.; Sethu, S.; Padmavathi Amma, G.
Journal of Population Research 4(2): 17-43
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0377-0478 PMID: 12309380 Document Number: 330343
A quasi-experimental study using satisfied adopters of contraceptive sterilization as information diffusers to eligible women was conducted in the Madari district in India from Oct. 1973-Nov. 1976. Planned interactions between adopters and nonadopters were carried out in villages where at least two adopters were present. There were 2 blocks set up for this test. In 1 block, called the experimental block, group meetings under the aegis of family planning personnel workers were set up between adopters and eligible women. In the control block, adopters were given identity cards with their addresses on them; these were to be distributed to any eligible woman they wished. Communication between eligible women and acceptors promoted the development of a favorable attitude towards sterilization and even adoption of that method. In fact, the number of adopters doubled in the experimental block for this time period. Other forms of information diffusion, such as mass media, proved of negligible influence. Husband/wife communication on family planning increased in the experimental block. Acceptor characteristics showed that younger, educated women were more likely to adopt. Results from the study point to the importance of providing an environment for satisfied adopters and publicizing their experiences in order to increase the number of adopters.