Family planning programs: efforts and results, 1972-94

Abstract

In this article, time trends and differentials for family planning program effort are presented for most developing countries for 1972, 1982, 1989, and 1994. Overall program effort for the developing world increased sharply from 1972 to 1982, and again from 1982 to 1989, but only modestly thereafter. Some countries had already reached ceiling levels. A few with very low fertility rates deliberately weakened their programs, and other programs deteriorated for reasons that are unclear. On the other hand, within the small overall rise, numerous countries with weak programs improved their scores substantially. Regions with the lowest 1989 ratings improved the most, mainly on policy positions, and they improved least on availability of contraceptive methods. The relationship of program strength to socioeconomic setting has steadily weakened across the 22-year period studied. The stronger programs overall are stronger on essentially all 30 features of effort. Programs that have improved over the years have changed to resemble the profiles of the stronger programs.

PIP: The varied strengths of key elements of selected national family planning programs were assessed. 93 developing countries were rated according to the strength of their family planning efforts in 1972, 97 in 1982, 98 in 1989, and 94 in 1994. 77 countries were rated for all four dates. 30 program elements were scored, grouped into the following categories: policies and stage-setting activities, service and service-related activities, record-keeping and evaluation, and the availability of contraceptive methods. Time trends and program efforts are presented for those countries. Overall program effort for the developing world increased sharply from 1972 to 1982, and again from 1982 to 1989, but only modestly thereafter. Some country programs were already nearing their ceiling levels, a few with very low fertility rates deliberately weakened their programs, and other programs deteriorated for undetermined reasons. After 1989, the lowest rated regions improved the most, mainly with regard to their policies, and improved least with regard to the availability of contraceptive methods. The relationship of program strength to socioeconomic setting has steadily weakened over the 22-year period.