An analysis of contraceptive continuation in Kenya

Abstract

This study was set out to determine factors responsible for the regional differentials in the level of contraceptive continuation in Kenya. The data utilized in this study was the 1986 N.C.P.D and C.B.S Contraceptive Discontinuation Survey. Literature reviewed showed that there are regional differentials in the level of contraceptive continuation and that" these differentials are attributed to demographic, socio-economic, socio-clltural and programme related factors. Life able analysis was the main method of analysis using basically 2100 acceptors of 1983. Life table analysis revealed that here are wide variations in the level of continuation by demographic, socio-economic and family planning related variables. Injection method was found to have the longest period of continuation followed by IUD whereas condom had the lowest length of continuation followed by spermicide with pill rates being in between.. As far as age is concerned, it showed that continuation increased gradually until it reached a peak at age 35-39 after which it drastically declined. Age at first marriage also showed the same trend. Those who married at young ages had low levels of continuation and those who married at higher ages had high continuation. Married women were found to have high continuation as opposed to singles, divorced or separated. Women with primary education had the longest continuation and those with above form four level of education had the lowest continuation. Former users of contraceptives had higher continuation levels than non-users. Finally, breast-feeding women had longer continuation than women not breast-feeding.