Since the 1960s, survey data have indicated that substantial proportions of women who have wanted to stop or delay childbearing have not practiced contraception. This discrepancy is referred to as the "unmet need" for contraception. The traditional interpretation, that these women lack access to contraceptive supplies and services, has led in turn to an emphasis on expanding family planning programs. This study analyzes survey data and related anthropological studies on the causes of unmet need and concludes that the conventional explanation is inadequate. Although for many environments geographic access to services remains a problem, the principal reasons for nonuse are lack of knowledge, fear of side effects, and social and familial disapproval. This finding underscores the need for expanded investment in services that not only provide contraceptives, but also attend to closely related health and social needs of prospective clients. Programs are likely to be most successful when they reach beyond the conventional boundaries of service provision to influence and alter the cultural and familial factors that limit voluntary contraceptive use.
Founded in 1963, Studies in Family Planning is concerned with all aspects of reproductive health, fertility regulation, and family planning programs in both developing and developed countries. The journal's authors are internationally recognized authorities working in such fields as public health, sociology, demography, medicine, and population planning. The journal contains original research articles, reports on individual countries, signed book reviews, commentary, abstracts from other journals, and data summaries from Demographic and Health surveys. Published six times a year through 1996 and quarterly thereafter.
The Population Council conducts research to address critical health and development issues. Our work allows couples to plan their families and chart their futures. We help people avoid HIV infection and access life-saving HIV services. And we empower girls to protect themselves and have a say in their own lives.
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Studies in Family Planning
© 1995 Population Council
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