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Suggested revision: Reason for not using a contraceptive method [message #1996] Fri, 11 April 2014 19:01
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Registered: April 2014
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Q709 Can you tell me why you are not using a method to prevent pregnancy?----Revision for Women questionnaire

We think the questions about reasons for contraceptive nonuse are critical to future family planning program efforts. We suggest adding more specific response categories for this series of questions (v3A08A through X), and/or adding follow up questions when a respondent cites a reason for not using contraception that is very vague. Here are some examples:

1. Not married: interviewer could ask the respondent to be more specific. Example response categories could be:
a. Feels it is taboo to have sex / seek contraception when unmarried
b. Facilities do not provide contraception to unmarried women
2. Respondent opposed: respondent could ask why she is opposed. Example response categories:
a. Doesn't agree with the concept of using contraception
b. Is concerned about possible health risks or side effects
3. Breastfeeding/post-partum amenorrheic: interviewer could ascertain whether the respondent:
a. Is concerned about the possible effects of contraceptive methods on quality or quantity of breast milk
b. Doesn't think she can get pregnant
c. Is not having sex
4. Infrequent sex: ascertain whether:
a. She thinks she won't get pregnant
b. Methods are too inconvenient to use
c. She does use a method when she has sex
5. Other reasons--this may be a large proportion of women in certain countries, some >10%. Is there a way to understand what these responses might be?

We understand that adding questions or probes extends the length of the questionnaire and the burden on the respondent, but we think that understanding the barriers to contraceptive use among women with an unmet speaks to the fundamental purpose of the Demographic and Health Surveys, and that this effort is therefore justified. We have formatted our suggestions so that could be used to develop additional response categories inside existing questions, so as to avoid adding more questions to the instrument.


Thank you,
Guttmacher Research Staff
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