CONTRACEPTIVE DISCONTINUATION IN 6 DEVELOPING-COUNTRIES - A CAUSE-SPECIFIC ANALYSIS

A descriptive analysis of contraceptive discontinuation, based on Demo graphic and Health Survey data from six countries with high levels of contraceptive use, shows that about one-third of couples stop use of t heir method within 12 months and about half do so within 24 months. IU D users are the least likely to stop using their method, with 82-89% o f users persisting after one year and 65-80% continuing at the end of two years. Levels of discontinuation of other modern methods are simil ar to those of traditional methods, but the reasons for discontinuatio n vary For hormonal contraceptives and the IUD, health concerns (inclu ding side effects) are the most common reason. For withdrawal and peri odic abstinence, accidental pregnancy is the dominant reason. Women us ing the pill or the IUD are more likely to continue use if they have a ttained their desired family size. However, analysis of pill data indi cates that education and residence have little or no influence on leve ls of discontinuation.