Expanding family planning options: offering the Standard Days Method to women in Istanbul.
BACKGROUND
This study introduced the Standard Days Method (SDM), a fertility awareness-based method of family planning, to couples in a region of Istanbul, Turkey who were using a method of low effectiveness or no family planning method. The objective was to determine potential demand for, and satisfaction with, the SDM.


METHODS
A total of 657 couples were selected by systematic sampling and offered the SDM. Those accepting this method were interviewed 1 and 3 months after starting the SDM.


RESULTS
Some 47% of the participants were satisfied with the method and intended to continue using it.


CONCLUSIONS
Potential demand for the SDM was 80.3% (278/346 eligible women) among couples who were using a method of low effectiveness or no family planning method. Our results suggest that adding the SDM to the contraceptive method mix may benefit Turkish women.
Kalaca
Sibel
S
School of Medicine, Department of Public Health, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey. sibelkal@superonline.com
Cebeci
Dilsad
D
Cali
Sanda
S
Sinai
Irit
I
Karavus
Melda
M
Jennings
Victoria
V
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D012252:Natural Family Planning Methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011247:Pregnancy; D014421:Turkey; D016387:Women's Health