On the use of contraceptive methods among married women in Turkey

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors affecting use and choice of contraceptive methods of married women in Turkey. METHODS: The study is based on data from the 1998 Turkish Demographic and Health Survey, held by the Hacettepe Institute of Population Studies. To analyse the data set, a multinomial logistic regression model has been used. RESULTS: The most influential variable for traditional method use versus non-use is 'region', while that for modern method use versus non-use is a 'woman's attitudes towards family planning methods'. Moreover, modern method use versus traditional method use is more common in middle-aged women, living in urban areas, approving of family planning methods and with higher education. CONCLUSION: Women's behaviours on contraceptive method use and choice are associated with women's attitude towards family planning and level of education as well as region and place of residence; that is, ease of access to the methods. To increase success of family planning programmes, it should be ensured that the methods are easily accessed and women receive information about contraceptive methods. In addition, family planning providers must strive to increase women's level of education.