Patterns of contraceptive use in Kingston and St Andrew, Jamaica, 1970–1977

The records of a sample of Family Planning acceptors were examined to identify those factors which influenced the choice of a contraceptive and the drop-out rate in the period 1970-1977 inclusive. It was found that although a full range of contraceptives was theoretically available, as the 1970s advanced the effective choice appeared to lie between the two hormonal contraceptives, medroxyprogesterene acetate (Depo Provera) and the oral contraceptive pill with family size being the deciding factor. The drop-out rate was also influenced by family size with nulliparous women showing the highest rate. Explanations for the drop-out rates and the percentage of single visits made to the clinics were sought through the utilization of partial correlations. In both cases the average distance between the acceptor's home and the clinic appeared to play a decisive role.