The Euiryong experiment: a Korean innovation in household contraceptive distribution

Although contraceptive practice has increased substantially in Korea as a result of a strong national family planning program, surveys indicate the existence of an additional unmet demand. A number of obstacles tend to limit availability of family planning services and supplies. The effects of total availability are being tested in a three-year experiment in household contraceptive distribution, for which an exploratory study was carried out in 1975 in Euiryong gun. Three distribution systems were tried in three areas of Euiryong, each enlisting local women to canvass and distribute pills and condoms (and refer those desiring IUDs or sterilization to physician). Results of the preliminary test showed that household distribution was culturally acceptable and administratively feasible and that it did increase contraceptive use. Cost-effectiveness was considered to be within the range of the national program. The most successful of the three distribution systems is being applied in the main study, begun late in 1976 in Cheju province.