A multilevel analysis of the effects of a reproductive health programme that encouraged informed choice of contraceptive method rather than use of officially preferred methods, China 2003-2005.
Historically, the Chinese government's family planning (FP) policy has emphasized post-partum IUD use after first birth and sterilization after subsequent births. Was the influence of this policy-driven programme on women's contraceptive choices weakened by a reproductive health intervention programme based on the idea of enabling and encouraging clients to make an informed choice? Multilevel analyses of cross-sectional data from baseline (2003) and endline (2005) surveys conducted as part of the evaluation of a large-scale UNFPA RH/FP programme show significant reductions in the uptake of methods emphasized by official policy between the two surveys. But county-level effects are highly significant, suggesting the continuation of a strong exogenous influence on women's choices. The results suggest that, while the intervention had the effect of weakening the top-down approach towards promoting methods, family planning workers continued to be influential in promoting sterilization for women at higher parities.
Brown
James J
JJ
Institute of Education, University of London, UK. j.brown@ioe.ac.uk
Bohua
Li
L
Padmadas
Sabu S
SS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002681:China; D003267:Contraception / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006291:Health Policy; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011640:Public Policy; D012044:Regression Analysis; D034121:Reproductive Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D040241:Social Marketing; D055815:Young Adult