Determinants of contraceptive use and method choice in Turkey

In this study, the determinants of contraceptive use and method choice are examined based on various variables, classified as individual. cultural, fe rtility and contextual. The data used came from the 1993 Turkish Demographi c and Health Survey. The main finding is that there exists a positive assoc iation between the educational level of both spouses and the use of contrac eptive methods in Turkey. After all individual, cultural, fertility and con textual variables are controlled, a woman's education is a stronger predict or of method use and method choice than that of her husband. Increasing the educational level of women may be the most effective means of advancing fa mily planning acceptance and increasing the demand for contraceptive servic es in Turkey. The study also shows that, to a great extent, contraceptive u se and choice of modern method depend on the sex of a couple's living child ren, implying some preference for sons, although generally women prefer to have children of both sexes.