Examining the Increasing Prevalence of Traditional Contraceptive Methods in Honduras

Abstract

This study describes the changes in traditional methods of contraceptive use during 1987-91/92 and explores the association between user characteristics and adoption of traditional methods in Honduras. Data were obtained from the 1987 and the 1991-92 Epidemiology and Family Health Survey in Honduras among women aged 15-44 years who were in consensual or formal unions. The sample excluded women who were pregnant or desired to be pregnant or were amenorrheic subfecund or sexually inactive. Rhythm use increased more than withdrawal use. Pill use decreased by three percentage points. Female sterilization increased by three percentage points. The proportion of traditional method use increased from 19% of all contraceptive use in 1987 to 26% of prevalence in 1991-92. Rhythm users compared to withdrawal users were older and better educated more urban with fewer living children closer to a health facility more likely to be employed and more likely to have wanted the most recent pregnancy. Findings from the multivariate analysis reveal that the chances of practicing rhythm increased with an increased travel time to a health facility. Women who wanted more children were more likely to use rhythm. Women in 1991-92 were twice as likely as women in 1987 to practice rhythm rather than use modern methods. Key determinants differed between rhythm users and modern method users. Year of use was not a significant factor in withdrawal use changes. Additional years of education lowered the chances of withdrawal use. Withdrawal use was significantly more likely among adolescents women aged 20-24 years and women with 8 or more living children. Women using withdrawal or rhythm were more likely to be rural legally married and farther from a health facility. Political factors and anti-family planning campaigns may have been factors in the shifts in use.