Oral contraceptive continuation rates in the Singapore National Program. 1966-1972.

A study of 79094 oral contraceptive acceptors between 1967-1972 determined continuation rates; demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of continuous and discontinuous users; reasons for discontinuation; contraceptive practice of discontinuous users; incidence and nature of side effects; and life-table continuation and discontinuation rates. The sample included 73% Chinese 17% Malays 4% Indian and Pakistani with an average age of 26.9 years. The median number of children was 2.5 and 60% of the sample had at least primary education; 80% were not working. 33% of the women were continuous users and were primarily 25-34 years old Chinese with no formal education and had 6-8 children. 67% were classified as discontinued users: 21% because of planned pregnancy; 1% because of unplanned pregnancy; 9% lost to follow-up; and the remaining due to side effects of menstrual disturbances weakness dizziness skin pigmentation changes and hair loss. Planned pregnancy as a reason for termination was most common among Chinese and least common among Malays. Women 24 years and under had higher continuation rates in the first 6 cycles however women aged 35-44 were consistently higher after the 6th cycle. The median period of pill use was 33.6 cycles for continuous users and 5.2 cycles for discontinuous users. This study shows that at least a sizable portion of discontinuers do practice some contraception.