Expanding family planning options: offering the Standard Days Method to women in Istanbul
Kalaca, S.; Cebeci, D.; Cali, S.; Sinai, I.; Karavus, M.; Jennings, V.
Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care 31(2): 123-127
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1471-1893 PMID: 15921552 DOI: 10.1783/1471189053629446Document Number: 253655
This study introduced the Standard Days Method (SDM), a fertility awareness-based method of family planning, to couples in a region of Istanbul, Turkey who were using a method of low effectiveness or no family planning method. The objective was to determine potential demand for, and satisfaction with, the SDM. A total of 657 couples were selected by systematic sampling and offered the SDM. Those accepting this method were interviewed 1 and 3 months after starting the SDM. Some 47% of the participants were satisfied with the method and intended to continue using it. Potential demand for the SDM was 80.3% (278/346 eligible women) among couples who were using a method of low effectiveness or no family planning method. Our results suggest that adding the SDM to the contraceptive method mix may benefit Turkish women.