Abstract

PIP: The 1987 Demographic and Health Survey of Ecuador showed that total fertility rate has fallen, contraceptive prevalence is up slightly, female sterilization and IUDs are the most popular methods, but there is still a demand for more family planning services. The survey covered 4711 women aged 15-49, the 3rd poll since 1979. About half of the 10 million Ecuadorians live along the coast, most near the city of Guayaquil. The total fertility rate has fallen 19% from 5.4 to 4.3 births per women since 1982. The mean number of children born to women 45-49 years was 6.0, compared to 6.7 in 1979. 84% of women with 3 or 4 did not want more children; less than 50% of those with 2 or fewer did not want more. Contraceptive use rose from 40% to 44% since 1987. Pill use has declined for fear of adverse health effects. 34% of women using contraception have been sterilized, and 22% have IUDs. Use of natural family planning has risen to 14%. Only 18% of surveyed women knew of vasectomy, and only 47% were familiar with condoms. Low educational attainment was highly associated with non-use of family planning and recent diarrheal illness in children, variables linked to rural residence, low living standards, limited access to health services and poor health practices.