Contraceptive continuation rates in Papua New Guinea

Family planning records were analyzed for 18 urban and rural clinics throughout Papua New Guinea. From the record cards of 7443 women, contraceptive continuation rates for the first method used were calculated. Continuation rates after one year are 92 per cent with the IUD (intra-uterine device), 41 per cent with oral contraceptives and 54 per cent with injections. Differences associated with age, parity, and rural-versus-urban clinics are discussed. Continuation rates are used to give an estimate of current contraceptive use of less than seven per cent of Papua New Guinea women. Improvement in access to services for rural women is needed, as is better communication in the initial interview with a new acceptor.