Norplant selection and satisfaction among low-income women.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined correlates of Norplant selection and satisfaction among low-income women.


METHODS
Interviews were completed in family planning clinics in 4 Florida counties with 1152 Norplant users and 1268 nonusers, with follow-up interviews with a subsample up to 1 year later. Logistic regression models estimated the associations of socio-demographic and medical characteristics with Norplant selection and method satisfaction.


RESULTS
Odds ratios for Norplant selection were significantly greater among women who planned to have children in 5 or more years, those who were "offered" Norplant, those who lived in Palm Beach County, those who were using drugs, and those who were Medicaid clients. Women younger than 17 and those who learned about Norplant from a friend were twice as likely as others to select Norplant. Ninety-two percent of Norplant users were satisfied with the method; women with side effects and those who felt pressure to select a method were significantly less likely than others to be satisfied.


CONCLUSIONS
Norplant provides an acceptable and satisfying method of birth control for many low-income women. Proper counseling about all methods of birth control and about Norplant's side effects remains critical to the appropriate delivery of this method.
Department of Health Policy and Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0177, USA.
L L
LL
Clarke
K
K
Schmitt
C A
CA
Bono
J
J
Steele
M K
MK
Miller
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011203:Poverty / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D016912:Levonorgestrel