Title: Rhythm: a hazardous contraceptive method.

POPLINE Document Number: 680290

Author(s):

Jaramillo-Gomez M
Londono JB

Source citation:

Demography, 1968;5(1):433-438.

Abstract:

The acceptance, applicability, use-effectiveness, and future practicality of the rhythm method of birth control was assessed in 10 family planning centers in Colombia. The acceptance rate ranged from 0% to 40%, for an average of 14.1%. The percentage of women using the rhythm method dropped from 21% to 8.8%, while acceptance of the intrauterine device rose from 8.4% to 27.5% of all methods used. The use of the basal body temperature chart was extremely difficult to teach, and husbands were often uncooperative in abstaining during the fertile period. Follow-up efforts were considerably more expensive for the rhythm method than for other methods. The lowest failure rate for the method among the centers was 36.2%. It is concluded that it is virtually impossible, if not hazardous, to implement a mass family planning program based on the rhythm method.

Keywords:

Colombia
Use-Effectiveness
Rhythm Method, Calendar
Evaluation
Contraception Failure
Cost Benefit Analysis
Family Planning Program Evaluation
Evaluation Report
Statistics
Contraception Continuation
Contraceptive Methods Chosen
Family Planning Acceptor Characteristics
South America, Northern
South America
Latin America
Americas
Developing Countries
Contraceptive Effectiveness
Contraception
Family Planning
Family Planning, Behavioral Methods
Contraceptive Usage
Quantitative Evaluation
Family Planning Programs
Research Methodology
Family Planning Acceptors