Correlates of choice of contraceptive methods in Pakistan.

This study examines preferences for specific contraceptive methods and factors related to method choice (age, parity, residence, knowledge, and interpersonal communication) in Pakistan. Data were obtained from the 1993 Choice of Contraceptive Methods and Drop Outs in Family Planning survey in the Punjab and the NWFP. The sample included interviews with 375 out of 1929 family planning acceptors drawn from family welfare centers. The IUD was the preferred method in these Pakistani provinces among first users, ever users, and current users. 35% preferred IUDs, 20% preferred injectables, 14% preferred condoms, and 17% preferred pills. 19% desired female sterilization, and 4% preferred vaginal methods, rhythm, or withdrawal. All acceptors had knowledge of at least one method. 5% had initiated contraceptive use at ages 15-19 years; 22%, at ages 20-24 years; and about 58%, at ages 25-34 years. The percentage of condom and pill acceptors decreased as age increased. Current use of IUDs, injectables, and condoms increased as age increased. Acceptors of injectables and sterilization increased over time and with increases in children ever born (CEB). About 25% began family planning at 0-2 CEB; about 34% started use at 3-4 CEB. 79% of acceptors chose their method on the advice of others. The family welfare worker was the key influence on method choice among current and ever users, followed by other users and friends and relatives. 45% switched methods once, 15% switched methods twice, and 3% switched three times. The IUD was the favored method of first and second choice and favored in ever use and current use. Injectable contraception was the favored second ever-use method. Sterilization was the second favorite of current users. Women stopped use for childbearing, side effects, and discontinuation of supplies.