Adolescent knowledge and use of injectable contraceptives in developing countries

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Global Health
• Demography

Background:

• Adolescents and young women in developing countries represent a key demographic for family planning services.
• Understanding awareness and utilization of various contraceptive methods is crucial for effective reproductive health programming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze recent survey data on the awareness and usage patterns of injectable contraceptives among young women in developing countries.
• To compare the uptake of injectable contraceptives with oral contraceptive pills and condoms.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in 25 developing countries during the mid-to-late 1980s.
• Focused on currently married women aged 15-24 and adolescents aged 15-19.
• Examined data on awareness, ever-use, and current use of specific contraceptive methods.

Main Results:

• Awareness of injectable contraceptives ranged from 40-70% in most surveyed countries, yet actual use was very low.
• Notable exceptions with higher injectable use included Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Colombia, and Mexico.
• When choosing contraception, adolescents and young women predominantly preferred the pill over injectables.

Conclusions:

• Limited availability of injectable contraceptive supplies, often dependent on international agencies, likely contributed to low usage rates.
• Past lack of US approval may have hindered governmental adoption and promotion of injectables in some countries.
• Recent US approval may improve supply chains and potentially increase the willingness to use injectable contraceptives in developing nations.