Contraceptive use failure and continuation based on two methods of contraceptive data collection in Thailand

Two approaches life-table and Laing cross-sectional calendar approach were applied to 2 sets of data the Determinants and Consequences of Contraceptive Use Pattern in Thailand (CUPS) and the 1987 Thailand Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS). Both surveys were taken n the year 1987. The results show that the contraceptive use calendar in CUPS yields slightly lower continuation rates and slightly higher failure rates compared to the results from TDHS. However the difference in estimated continuation and failure rates are small enough to conclude that either method of data collection can be used to provide those basic rates. The estimated rates for cross-section approach were reliable when the period of observation is 2 years or more. TDHS-type data collection provides reasonable estimates of the rates with moderate effort in data collection. Calendar data is probably more difficult to collect. However if interviewer training and data collection are not big obstacles the calendar method is recommended for more accurate data collection. Furthermore it is found that among temporary methods the IUD was the most acceptable contraceptive method in every period of observation. The second method was pills followed by injections withdrawal rhythm and the least was condom. However the most effective method was injections while pills and the IUD were at about the same level. The least effective methods were withdrawal and rhythm while the condom had moderate effectiveness. (authors)