Contraceptive use and method choice in Turkey

Abstract

According to the 1993 Turkish Demographic and Health Survey knowledge regarding modern contraception in Turkey has not led to a corresponding level of contraceptive use. Between September and December 1999 a prospective study was conducted on 1672 married women who applied in a family planning unit. These women were investigated as to their use and choice of method of contraception; the effects of various variables including age and education and number of surviving offspring of these women on the patterns of contraceptive use. Overall 87.3% of the married women were using contraceptive method. Majority were modern method users (71.6%) although a substantial proportion (15.7%) was using traditional methods particularly withdrawal. A significant positive correlation between the age of these patients and their contraceptive preferences towards modern methods was noted. The educational level of women did not seem to effect the contraceptive preference of women. On the other hand the association between the number of living children and contraceptive use was positive. Overall the study indicates the need for contraception among women in Turkey. Thus more efforts should be directed towards increasing the availability and accessibility of family planning services.