title: Use of periodic abstinence in Bangladesh: do they really understand?
abstract: Data from a nationally representative study in Bangladesh (BDHS 1996-97) were analysed to identify significant predictors of use of periodic abstinence, in comparison with other modern contraceptive methods. The study found that women in Bangladesh mostly use modern methods during their peak reproductive years, after which some of them switch to periodic abstinence. These women tend to be more from educated and from higher socioeconomic backgrounds and with at least one living son. Another set of data from the Matlab DSS was analysed and the results were in the same direction. Focus group discussions found that women were using the periodic abstinence method incorrectly, abstaining for more days than is necessary. For Bangladeshi contraceptive users to reach a higher degree of use-effectiveness for period abstinence, more IEC materials need to be developed.
authors.affiliation: Independent University, Bangladesh.
authors.forename: Nashid
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kamal
authors.forename: Unnati R
authors.initials: UR
authors.lastname: Saha
authors.forename: Mehrab
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ali Khan
authors.forename: Radheshyam
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bairagi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001459:Bangladesh; D003267:Contraception / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003270:Contraceptive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012252:Natural Family Planning Methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012746:Sexual Abstinence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D003270:Contraceptive Agents