Changes in the use of birth control methods

Abstract Information on changes in the methods of contraception used was collected from women in a KAP Survey of Trinidad and Tobago in 1970-71. Using methods analagous to those used in the study of internal migration, it is found that 54% of contraceptors were still using the method they first used, and 46% had changed. In general, the net changes tended to be from less to more efficient methods. This is demonstrated with data showing: 1. the number of changes from one method to another; 2. the number of changes these women have made, considering the first and last methods only; and 3. the number of changes, including intermediate changes. Nevertheless, there is also an appreciable movement away from the more effective methods either to other methods, or out of contraceptive practice entirely. The rate of dropout from contraception has been increasing in recent years for all methods, and, apparently, for all ages of women. The principal reasons given for stopping the use of the various methods were: 1. pregnancy; 2. that the method was uncomfortable or too much trouble; 3. that the method made the user ill (in the case of the pill and the IUD); and 4. that the partner disliked the method (in the case of the condom and withdrawal). More positive reasons include: 1. that the woman wanted more children; and 2. that she no longer had a partner.