Withdrawal use is the most widely used contraceptive method in Turkey; 24.4% of all couples rely on this method to prevent pregnancy. The popularity of withdrawal use in Turkey leads to high failure rates, which results in unplanned pregnancies and abortions.
This study examines withdrawal use in Turkey and explores factors that contribute to its popularity, primarily using data from the 1998 Demographic and Health Survey and additional data from the 1978 and 1988 Turkish Fertility Surveys. Trends in withdrawal use are examined that provide a clearer profile of the user. The study also examines contraceptive behaviors of withdrawal users such as method discontinuation, failure and switching. The analysis continues with the examining of the determinants of withdrawal use grouped under individual, cultural, fertility and contextual level categories. Finally, the study discusses the implications the results have on family planning programs in Turkey today.
While withdrawal has declined slightly between 1988 and 1998 (25.7% to 24.4% respectively), its use is still high. Results indicate that when withdrawal is the first method used by a woman she will probably continue to use that method in the future and not switch to a modern method. Additionally, men and women both have said that health concerns regarding modern methods is the main reason they use and will continue to use withdrawal. Finally, as a method, men generally find withdrawal to be easier, they consider it effective and they consider it healthier, having had problems with other methods.
Learning Objectives: "At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: OL>
Keywords: Contraception, Family Planning
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.