National IUD retention survey in East Pakistan: a preliminary report
Groley, H.T.; Miller, R.A.; Haider, S.J.
Pakistan Journal of Family Planning 2(2): 23-28
1968
PMID: 12275142 Document Number: 521297
To determine IUD retention rates in East Pakistan, 1195 women from 50 thanas in 10 program districts were interviewed in May 1967 and divided into 3 groups according to when they received IUDs: A, representing the first 6 months after the program was initiated on July 1, 1965; B, representing the second 6 months; and C, which included the third 6 months. 98.7% of the women reported having received an IUD. The average ages and parities of the groups were 29.6 years for group A with 5.03 children; 30.6 years for group B with 5.13 children; and 29.4 years for group C with 4.56 children. Retention rates were lower for group C than for the other 2 groups which may be explained by their younger ages and lower parities. Another possible explanation is that these women were later adopters, and research elsewhere has suggested that higher discontinuation rates can be found among later adopters. This result deserves consideration in planning for future acceptors. Other possible factors for these lower retention rates may involve less selectivity in clients as the program personnel gained experience with the IUD and increased knowledge of IUD side effects. Even though 60% reported side effects, 88% of the women wanted to keep their IUDs.