Use of Matched Pairs in Evaluation of a Birth Control Program

Abstract

THE birth control program of the District of Columbia Department of Public Health began in April 1964 at the municipal hospital and six outlying maternal and child health clinics. Because of limited facilities, the program was directed primarily at medically indigent women who had deliveries within the past 3 months at the D.C. General Hospital and a small number of women who were referred by the department of welfare. When additional clinics became available, the program was expanded to include all woimen who ha,d a previous delivery. The study reported here c,oncerns the population which used D.C. General Hospital for deliveries from November 1964 through December 1965. During this period, the birth control program was essentially a post partum program. At the time of discharge after delivery, a birth control film was presented, followed by demonstration. and discussion of ithe various types of contraception. For the interim between delivery and post partum examination, a 2-months' supply of foam was distributed. Mothers were told that birth control service would be available when they returned for their post partum examination, and they were given an appointment before they left the hospital. Two monthis after they registered in a birth control clinic, mothers were given a return appointment to the clinic, at which time they received identification cards to pick up supplies for 1 year, renewable after a physical examination. No charge was made for supplies or service, and mothers were given 2 to 3 months' supply per pickup visit. A choice of six methods were offered-pill, foam, diaphragm, rhythm, jelly, and IUD; the IUD, however, was not offered by the program until November 1965. The pills were by far the most popular method selected during the period studied.