Association between contraceptive method accepted and perception of information received: a comparison of Norplant...

In the present study Norplant(R) and IUD acceptors who attended the same counseling sessions have been compared on their perception of the information received at the family planning clinic. The study covered 100 acceptors of each method quota matched by parity and years of schooling. Data were obtained through home interviews. The two groups presented no significant differences when selected socio-demographic characteristics were analyzed. Norplant users recalled more information on this method than did IUD acceptors, and the content of what they remembered was different. This included concepts as important as risk of pregnancy, menstrual and health effects, and method of removal. The results suggest that the intrinsic qualities of the new method and the presence of a group of women motivated to use one with its general characteristics, are not sufficient conditions for its acceptance.