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.