Uptake of family planning services among an ethnically mixed population in a general practice setting

A descriptive study of the uptake of family planning services within an urban general practice which has a mixed ethnic population, was undertaken with the aim of identifying areas where uptake could be improved. The target population was 572 female patients aged between 16 and 45 years during the period August 1995 to July 1996. Of this target population, about 20 per cent had consulted the practice about contraception and four per cent were pregnant. These were excluded. The remaining majority had not consulted the practice about their contraceptive needs. The study looked in more detail at 194 patients who were available for interview, who had not attended the practice for family planning advice during three months from August 1, 1996 to October 31, 1996. Of these, a group could be identified who would have gained benefit from GP involvement. There were 22 'at risk' women who were not using contraception and 11 who had not returned for IUD checks. There was a definite preference for condom use among Asian patients. There was poor uptake of family planning services among 16 to 25 year old Asian patients. Some personal observations and suggestions, for improving uptake and compliance are given.