Comprehensive family planning services to an urban black community. a three year experience
Herson, J.; Crocker, C.L.; Butts, E.
Journal of the National Medical Association 67(1): 61-65
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0027-9684 PMID: 1113345 Document Number: 519459
This is a description of the Howard University Center for Family Planning Services which operates in 4 locations in Washington, D.C. Patient services began October 1, 1970. Family planning is viewed as not only fertility control but also inferility correction and the promotion of responsible parenthood through information, education, and counseling. Patients are 90% black, 4.7% white, 3% Puerto Rican or Latin American, and 1.4% other ethnic groups. About 55% are living at or below the federal poverty level and about 70% are living below 150% of the poverty level. Overall median parity is 1 and overall median age is 22.65 years. Approximately 62% were single, 11% separated, divorced, or widowed; 27% were married. There has been a steady increase in the percentage of single parents, rising from 48% in 1971 to 70% in 1973. This may be due to increased awareness of the program among single people and the trend toward delayed marriage in the population served. Oral contraceptives are the most popular method, 76.34% of patients. IUDs were chosen by 19.55% while foam was considered an interim method and the diaphragm was used by 2.32%. About 82% of oral users are still using them after 1 year compared with 62% of diaphragm and IUD users.