Results of a contraceptive prevalence survey in Niamey Niger.

A community-based knowledge attitudes and practices survey was conducted among women in Niamey Niger more than 2 years after the initiation of the 1st public-sector family planning program in 1984. Prevalence of modern methods use was 9% among women ages 15-49 and 10% among those currently in a union which may represent 1 of the highest levels in the Sahel. 87% of respondents indicated interest in using family planning in the future. More than 75% of all women of reproductive age knew of at least 1 modern method without promoting. Clearly radio and television have reached a larger proportion of the population with family planning information than the more traditional method of communication the community meeting. Survey and focus group results indicate a general acceptance of birth spacing as well as a need for more personalized communication by program staff. In addition clarification of Islams position on family planning is also necessary. (authors modified)