Contraception by the end of the 20th century.

Abstract

Despite worldwide fertility declines, global population continues to grow. Most of the decline in fertility is due to contraceptive use, accounting for 80% of the variance in the total fertility rate between countries. Yet, some countries have much higher or lower fertility levels than countries with the same contraceptive prevalence levels, indicating that other factors also influence fertility rates. These factors are generally cultural. Africa is the only area where contraceptive prevalence is still low in most countries (e.g., 13% for Sub-Saharan Africa vs. 57% for Latin America). Use of individual contraceptive methods varies from country to country. For example, most contraceptive users in Japan use the condom, while those in India depend on female sterilization (about 75% and 75%, respectively). Between the late 1970s and the late 1980s, contraceptive prevalence increased 1 percentage point annually in 64% of all countries. In those developing countries where contraceptive prevalence rates have approached those of developed countries (e.g., Columbia and Thailand), the growth in contraceptive use is slowing. Important determinants of contraceptive use include rural/urban residence, education level, and income per capita. The difference in use rates between rural and urban areas are largely due to availability of family planning services in urban areas. Since contraceptive use plays such a significant role in fertility reduction and the slowing of population growth, improved contraception is needed worldwide, regardless of socioeconomic class. Desires of the population and not those of the scientists should be considered when developing new contraceptives. An analysis of users' needs should be done before developing new contraceptives. Such an analysis would require social and behavioral research. The approach of listening to the needs and beliefs of users should result in an increase of contraceptive use, which will benefit everyone.