PROGRAM-RELATED AND METHOD-RELATED DETERMINANTS OF 1ST DMPA USE DURATION IN RURAL BANGLADESH

This article examines the determinants of first-time use durations of the injectable contraceptive Depo Medroxy Progesterone Acetate (DMPA) for rural Bangladeshi women. The method's side effects were defined by 200 first-time users in Matlab district during lengthy, open-ended in terviews. Women with many children used the method longer than did wom en of low parity. Those who experienced side effects had shouter use d urations than those who did not, and those who cited heavy bleeding as their main problem discontinued use soonest. Women whose husbands app roved of family planning had significantly longer use durations than t hose whose husbands disapproved. Respondents who adopted DMPA because of perceived positive aspects of the drug used if longer than those wh o chose it for other reasons. Results of the study underscore the impo rtance of viewing side effects in a specific social and cultural conte xt. Expanded side-effects counseling for women and their husbands is n eeded.