Contraceptive use and fertility in Paraguay, 1987

Abstract

In 1987, 38 percent of married Paraguayan women aged 15-44 were practicing contraception, with oral contraceptives being the most prevalent method. Fertility rates for the population were at corresponding levels, with an overall fertility rate of 5.4 births per woman. Fertility has not changed substantially for the nation as a whole since 1979, and contraceptive use has increased by only 6 percentage points. Findings from the present study are consistent with the lack of a public sector family planning program in the country. Pharmacies are the principal source of contraceptives in the country. Twenty-two percent of all women and one-third of married women are at risk of having an unplanned pregnancy. The greatest impact on contraceptive use can be made if new and continued program efforts focus n the interior of the Oriental region of the country.

PIP: In 1987, staff from the International Planned Parenthood Federation affiliate in Paraguay (CEPEP) with technical assistance from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) selected 1500 households in metropolitan Asuncion and the interior of the Oriental region (the Interior) to study contraceptive behavior and fertility. Eligible respondents to the survey consisted of women 15 to 44 years old, regardless of marital status. Researchers interviewed only 1 woman per household and completed 2224 interviews. The 1987 overall fertility rate of 5.4 births per woman did not change much since 1979 (4.9), and contraceptive use only increased from 32.1% to 37.6%. Metropolitan Asuncion reported the highest prevalence (more than 50%). In terms of methods to control family size, oral contraceptive (OC) led the list of contraceptive use at 13.5%, followed by native herbs called yuyos at 7.2% and intrauterine devices (IUDS) at 5.1%. After the Paraguayan MOH stopped providing family planning services through MOH facilities in 1979, pharmacies became the primary source of contraceptives (51%). Prior to 1979, the MOH supplied 45% of all contraceptives. Findings in the survey indicated that 22% of all women and 33% of married women are at risk of having an unplanned pregnancy. Also the women exhibited a strong interest in spacing or limiting family size, but because the public sector does not provide contraceptives women cannot do so.