The correlation between family planning program inputs and contraceptive use in Indonesia

Area of Science:

• Demography
• Public Health
• Health Policy

Background:

• Understanding factors influencing contraceptive prevalence is crucial for reproductive health programs.
• Indonesia's diverse regions present unique challenges and opportunities for family planning initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the correlation between socioeconomic, regional, and program variables and contraceptive prevalence rates in Indonesia.
• To analyze method-specific contraceptive use patterns across Indonesian regencies and municipalities.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 1980 Census and 1986 service statistics program data.
• Employed regression analysis to assess net correlations with 1987 contraceptive prevalence and method-specific use.

Main Results:

• Regional variables, reflecting program design and maturity, showed the strongest correlation with contraceptive prevalence.
• Field-worker activities, supervisor activities, and community distributors were also correlated with prevalence rates.
• Pill use was highest in less developed, predominantly Islamic areas; IUD, condom, and sterilization use were higher in other regions.

Conclusions:

• Program design and maturity are key drivers of contraceptive prevalence.
• Tailoring contraceptive method promotion to regional characteristics, including socioeconomic and religious factors, may enhance program effectiveness.
• Findings offer insights for optimizing family planning policy and resource allocation in Indonesia.