Family planning in the Southeast Anatolian Project Region

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate contraceptive use by women of reproductive age in the Southeast Anatolian Project Region and the promotion of the use of family planning services.Methods An optimum sample size to represent the rural and urban area of the region was determined and the sample was chosen by sampling method proportional to the size. A total of 1126 houses were visited and questions about reproductive health were asked of 1019 ever-married (currently married, widows and divorced) women.Results The study showed that 48.2% of the ever-married women of reproductive age had never used any method of family planning; 37.4% were currently using a family planning method, and 14.4% had used a family planning method in the past. Of the women who were currently using a family planning method, 73.1% were using an effective method. The result of the logistic regression analysis showed that educational level, knowledge of Turkish, type of residence, and total number of living children were the main variables that affected the use of family planning methods.Conclusions Use of family planning methods in the region was not at the expected level. In order to decrease the barriers to family planning in developing countries, we must provide obtainable, acceptable, integrated health services.