Cultural differences in a family planning clinic.
An analysis of the use of contraception in a multi-racial family planning clinic in relation to age, parity and ethnicity (Asian or non-Asian) was carried out in the London Borough of Newham. Whether follow-up appointments were given and kept and the taking of cervical smears were noted. Asian patients favoured the sheath (44%) and the IUD (31%); the Pill was less used at 20% with the cap little used at 3%. Non-Asian patients favoured the Pill (50%), and IUD (22%) with the sheath being used by 15% and the cap by 13%. Parity increased with age in both groups. The 16-20-year-old Asian patients chose the Pill (54%) in preference to the sheath (27%) whereas the older Asian patients chose the sheath in preference to all other methods. When follow-up appointments were given the failure rate was equal in both groups. 29% of the Asian patients had a cervical smear taken as against 45% of the non-Asian patients.
Sutton
M A
MA
Newham Health Authority, Plaistow, London.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D044466:Asian People; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008427:Maternal Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D010298:Parity