Assessing potential demand for Norplant implants in Sri Lanka

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Demography
• Family Planning

Background:

• Assessing demand for long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) is crucial for effective family planning programs.
• Norplant implants represent a significant LARC option with potential for widespread adoption.
• Understanding factors influencing Norplant adoption is key to tailoring public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential demand for Norplant implants in a rural Sri Lankan population.
• To identify demographic, socioeconomic, and fertility-related factors associated with Norplant demand.
• To explore willingness to pay for Norplant implants among interested users.

Main Methods:

• A population-based survey was conducted among currently married, non-sterilized women of childbearing age in rural Sri Lanka.
• Data collected included interest in Norplant, demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, and fertility preferences.
• Statistical analyses were performed to identify predictors of potential Norplant demand.

Main Results:

• Overall, 35% of women expressed interest in using Norplant implants.
• Potential demand was significantly higher in younger age groups (under 30 years) compared to older groups (30-44 years).
• Desired birth spacing emerged as a strong predictor of demand, outweighing socioeconomic variables. Younger women's demand was not significantly influenced by current contraceptive method use.

Conclusions:

• Significant potential demand for Norplant implants exists in rural Sri Lanka, particularly among younger women.
• Fertility preferences and life-cycle variables are stronger determinants of Norplant demand than socioeconomic factors.
• A majority of interested women were willing to contribute to the cost, suggesting potential for cost-recovery strategies.