Overall evaluation of the Korean National Family Planning Program.

This study conducts periodic evaluations of the various activities of the Korean national family planning program to improve program effectiveness. Program statistics were collected monthly from 13 cities and provinces and 228 health centers. Program progress reports of each city/province and health center were analyzed. Government-supported contraceptive service statistics 688660 in 1985 were collected and analyzed to evaluate the characteristics of government-supported contraceptive acceptors and to provide information for program planning. Meetings were held to evaluate progress. A central evaluation team conducted joint meetings with the city and provincial evaluation teams. Contraceptive service achievements in 1985 were lower than in 1984 for all methods. In the government-supported program the rate of women with less than 2 children increased from 61.3% in 1983 to 87% in 1985. Since the population control policy was strengthened in 1982 sterilization achievement increased. The contraceptive ever-use rate for all eligible women increased from 80.7% in 1982 to 83.7% in 1985. The contraceptive practice rate for women over 30 years with more than 2 children has reached 77% while that for women without children or with 1 was 13.8% and 44.7% respectively. Various seminars workshops and meetings were held and several recommendations resulted. Social support policy should be changed and strengthened continuously. Population education should be strengthened by governmental support. Advanced training on program planning evaluation and supervision should be conducted. The family planning target population must be expanded to include unmarried couples. Family law should be revised to eliminate son preference.