Factors Influencing the Use of Traditional versus Modern Family Planning Methods in Bas Zaire

Findings from a baseline survey conducted prior to the initiation of organized family planning efforts in one urban and one rural area of Bas Zaire reveal the widespread use of traditional methods and a surprisingly high level of knowledge of modern contraceptives. However, in the absence of a deliv...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Studies in family planning 1985-11, Vol.16 (6), p.332-341
Main Authors: Bertrand, Jane T., Mangani, Nlandu, Mansilu, Matondo, Landry, Evelyn G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Birth Control
Breast Feeding
Breastfeeding
Children
Contraception - methods
Contraception Behavior
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Developing Countries
Family Planning
Family Planning Services
Female
Gender equality
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Middle Aged
Pregnancy
Rural areas
Rural Population
Rural populations
Sexual Abstinence
Socioeconomic Factors
Urban areas
Urban Population
Urban populations
Zaire
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Summary:Findings from a baseline survey conducted prior to the initiation of organized family planning efforts in one urban and one rural area of Bas Zaire reveal the widespread use of traditional methods and a surprisingly high level of knowledge of modern contraceptives. However, in the absence of a delivery system, use of the latter was extremely limited (4-5 percent of currently married women). The data reflect a deep-seated motivation for birth spacing, which is achieved primarily through withdrawal and abstinence. Of the variables tested as possible correlates, only economic status was related to use of both traditional and modern methods in the same direction. Use of a traditional method was largely determined by age of the youngest child and breastfeeding status. By contrast, use of a modern method was highest among women over 30 with higher levels of education and parity, who were not currently breastfeeding.
ISSN:0039-3665
1728-4465
DOI:10.2307/1967055