Continued use of contraception among Philippine family planning acceptors: a multivariate analysis

The factors that contribute to continued use of contraception are examined through a multivariate analysis of data gathered in the course of the Philippine 1974 National Acceptor Survey. Twenty-five independent variables were utilized in the analysis, of which only three were found to have an appreciable effect upon continuation: the method accepted, age, and husband's attitude regarding family planning. When the sample was divided into method subgroups, several features of the service process explained variance in pill continuation, and fecundability explained variance in rhythm continuation. The findings suggest that there is considerable potential for improving the effectiveness of the Philippine program through administrative action. Better IUD services and information, more emphasis on the needs of husbands, and improvements in the ongoing support of pill users could substantially improve the amount of contraceptive protection offered by the program.