Contraception among limiters and spacers in Matlab, Bangladesh
Razzaque, A.; Islam, M.M.; Alam, N.
Asia Pacific Population Journal 13(1): 65-78
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0259-238X Document Number: 532294
A study utilizing three sets of data from the Matlab study area, Bangladesh, examined contraceptive use and continuation among limiters and spacers. A population of 3785 women of reproductive age from 37 villages in the study area (exposed to a contraceptive distribution programme during the period 1975-77 and a Family Planning and Health Services Programme since October 1977) and 2429 women in 40 villages from the comparison area (studied between 1984-1993) formed the basis of the research. Overall contraceptive use increased by 23% between 1984-90 in the treatment area compared with 15% in the comparison area. The increase in contraceptive use was greater among limiters than spacers. The large increase in contraceptive use among spacers indicates that women are becoming more aware of the positive benefits of longer birth intervals. Determinants for contraceptive use ranged from the number of children living in each area, to the number of living sons, education differentials, and sterilization uses.