Seven years trend of changes in pattern of contraceptive methods in rural population of Babol, 1994-2000

The rate of using contraceptive methods in an important criteria for evaluation the performance of family planning in women aged 15-49 years. The aim of this study is to determine the 7-year trend of contraceptive methods in population of rural area in Babol. This study was performed based on the existing data in family planning program charts in area under coverage of Gatab health center in Babol from 1994 to 2000. A sample of 400 women aged 15-49 years were selected using systematic sampling technique within each year based on the list of women who had husband aged 15-49 years in family planning books. In overall, 2800 women examined during 7 years of study. The data of type of contraceptive method and the calendar year were extracted from family planning charts. We used Z-test and Chi-square test in statistical analysis. The results showed that the rate of tobactomy increased significantly from 26.2% in 1994 to 36.7% in 2000 (P<0.05). The use of condom and IUD changed from 3% to 7.5% and from 5% to 8.5% respectively. The percentage of women did not use any contraceptive method decreased from 27.5% in 1994 to 4.7% in 2000 (P<0.05). While a significant changes neither were observed in using oral contraceptive nor withdrawal methods using 7 years. The rate of using confident methods of contraception increased significantly from 1994 to 2000. In spite of the relative high rate of withdrawal method and due to lack of its confidence, the more research and education for shifting its user to modern form of contraceptive is necessary.