The demographic impact of the contraceptive distribution project in Matlab, Bangladesh
Stinson, W.S.; Phillips, J.F.; Rahman, M.; Chakraborty, J.
Studies in Family Planning 13(5): 141-148
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-3665 PMID: 7101360 DOI: 10.2307/1966284Document Number: 416960
This paper evaluates a study fielded in Bangladesh in 1975 to test the hypothesis that ubiquitous availability of pills and condoms in a rural, traditional, noncontracepting population would increase contraceptive use and reduce fertility. Treatment and comparison areas were designated in Matlab, an area with accurate and complete demographic data. Use prevalence peaked at 18 percent in the first three months of the project and declined thereafter. Project activities continued until 1977. Results show that between-treatment fertility differentials were 10 percent in the first year of program impact, but that effects dissipated with time.