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First-time Contraceptive Users Have Diverse Needs -- October 15, 1999

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC -- Many new contraceptive users are couples who already have children, experts say in the current issue of Network, the quarterly bulletin of Family Health International.

Overall, first-time users are a diverse group with different needs. They include young adults who have recently initiated sexual activity, for example. Many couples, however, do not consider using contraception until after their first pregnancy or until they have reached their desired family size.

Of all women using contraception in India (Uttar Pradesh), a survey found that 79 percent did not begin family planning until after having two or more children. Comparable surveys in six other Asian, African and Latin American countries ranged from 24 percent to 55 percent who initiated family planning only after having two or more children.

Family planning workers should be aware of the diverse needs and concerns of prospective clients. "For many women and men, contraceptive use is not part of a long-term life plan," says Dr. Priscilla Ulin, an FHI researcher and former director of FHI's recently completed Women's Studies Project.

Lack of information about how methods work can discourage use. "There are many women who would like to use contraception but do not," says Dr. Ulin. "They worry erroneously that contraception might make them sick or sterile, so they are afraid to risk that possibility before they have completed their family size."

Poor access to services also discourages use. In the developing world, one in every four married women wants to avoid pregnancy but is not using contraception, according to unpublished data. Also in this issue of Network, experts examine why couples change methods and how friends and family influence contraceptive decisions.

Also in this issue is a summary of recent FHI research that indicates adolescent girls' perception of their pregnancy can influence the health and well-being of their babies.