Studies in family planning
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This paper examines Quechua-speaking Indians' choice of contraceptive methods and discusses barriers to the use of modern contraceptives. A study conducted in a Peruvian highland community shows that contraceptive choice is strongly related to a couple's life experiences, their contact with urban centers, their economic status, and their emphasis on cultural values. Among contraceptive users, husbands are concerned with family size and encourage their wives to seek information about the use of modern contraceptives. ⋯ In this study population, modern contraception is a novelty that has reached only a few families. The majority of the couples practice natural and traditional family planning methods, which are not reliable. Villagers do not use modern contraceptives as a result of cultural barriers created by family planning services that do not take into account the lifestyle of these people, insufficient knowledge of human physiology, comments from dissatisfied users, and women's reliance on their reproductive role for self-esteem.
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The Third Contraceptive Prevalence Survey in Thailand was conducted in 1984. Results indicate a continuation of the rapid rise in contraceptive use among married couples that has been taking place over the past 15 years. Prevalence levels are approaching those common in economically advanced countries. ⋯ Family size preferences are concentrated at small family sizes. A comparison between the Buddhist majority and Moslem minority, made possible through a special sample design, reveals substantial differences between the two groups. Contraceptive use is lower and fertility levels and preferences are higher among Moslems than among Buddhists.