Prevalence, continuation and availability of contraceptive methods: a summary of the results of the Egypt Contraceptive Prevalence Survey
Khalifa, A.M.; Sayed, H.A.; El-khorazaty, M.N.; Way, A.A.
Egyptian Population and Family Planning Review 16(2): 1-31
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 1110-1156 PMID: 12340836 Document Number: 333420
The Egypt Contraceptive Prevalence Survey, conducted in 1980, was designed to 1) collect data on current levels of contraceptive knowledge, use, and continuation in rural Egypt; 2) provide data on rural fertility levels and family size ideals; 3) investigate perceived availability of and accessibility to family planning services among the rural population; and 4) provide baseline data for evaluation of the Population and Development Project. The survey was based on interviews with 5313 ever-married women. 67% of respondents had married before the age of 18 years, although a trend over time toward delayed age at marriage, particularly among those with greater education, was noted. The mean number of children ever born was 4.6 in Lower Egypt and 4.7 in Upper Egypt. Women in Upper Egypt had lost an average of 1.5 children compared with 1.1 in Lower Egypt. 53% of respondents indicated an interest in limiting their family size (42% in Upper Egypt and 63% in Lower Egypt). The proportion desiring no more children was positively associated with age and number of surviving children, but not with socioeconomic status. 97% of respondents were aware of at least 1 family planning method, largely the pill, and 79% approved of contraceptive use. 83% of women in Lower Egypt and 57% of those in Upper Egypt could identify a source for family planning services. 35% of respondents (46% in Lower Egypt and 22% in Upper Egypt) had ever used a family planning method; the pill and IUD accounted for the majority of contraceptive use. 17% (25% in Lower Egypt and 8% in Upper Egypt) of currently married respondents were current users of family planning, and 15% were using a modern method. Contraceptive use was greatest among women with husbands in nonagricultural occupations and those with higher educational status and number of surviving children. Over half of contraceptive users rely on government-sponsored family planning programs for their supplies, and services are perceived as easily accessible.