A study of the knowledge, perceptions, and behavioral intentions of physicians regarding periodic abstinence (PA) methods was undertaken in Mauritius, Peru, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Most respondents considered PA to be useful, although even the PA providers prescribed mainly non-PA methods. Detailed knowledge of PA methods was not evident, but most physicians were willing to initiate general discussion about PA with patients. Physicians favored methods perceived as "scientific" and "modern," which primarily prevent pregnancy and secondarily avoid other health risks. When carefully presented as "scientific" and "modern," methods presented to medical audiences may find acceptance and be more likely to result in referral.
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Cite this article
Snowden, R., Kennedy, K. I., Leon, F., Orense, V. C., Perera, H. W., Phillips, R., Askew, I., Flynn, A., & Severy, L. J. (1988). Physicians' views of periodic abstinence methods: a study in four countries. Studies in family planning, 19(4), 215-226.
Snowden R, Kennedy KI, Leon F, Orense VC, Perera HW, Phillips R, et al. Physicians' views of periodic abstinence methods: a study in four countries. Stud Fam Plann. 1988;19(4):215-226.
Snowden, R., et al. "Physicians' views of periodic abstinence methods: a study in four countries." Studies in family planning, vol. 19, no. 4, 1988, pp. 215-226.
Five programs of instruction in the ovulation method (OM) in diverse geographic and cultural settings are described, and characteristics of approximately 200 consecutive OM acceptors in each program are examined. the religious background and family size of acceptors are variable, as is the level of previous contraceptive use. Acceptors are drawn from a wide range of socioeconomic and religious backgrounds; however, family planning intention was similarly distributed in all five countries. In sum, the ovulation method is accepted by persons from a variety of backgrounds within and between cultural setting.
This paper presents the main survey findings from a nationally representative sample of 607 users of periodic abstinence methods in the Philippines in 1984. The survey was conducted because of the widespread popularity of periodic abstinence in the Philippines and a lack of detailed knowledge about how the method is understood and practiced in the Philippines. Findings are presented on the prevalence of the different types of periodic abstinence methods, the nature of their use, knowledge about the various periodic abstinence methods, instruction received, perceived advantages and disadvantages, the husband's role, and the use-effectiveness of periodic abstinence both with and without backup methods. The implications of these findings for program management and for future research are also discussed.
The Billings/ovulation method is a periodic abstinence method of regulating births based on the client's interpretation of changing patterns in secretions of cervical mucus monitored by external self-examination. It was developed in Australia and is now widely promoted overseas. This paper outlines the method's recent history and goes on to discuss its physiological basis, its use-effectiveness as measured in a number of major trials, and some evidence concerning its general acceptability and applicability in family planning programs.
The calendar rhythm method of natural family planning (NFP) is one of the most popular contraceptive methods in the Philippines. As a result, the Philippines has one of the highest NFP prevalence rates in the developing world. In recent years, family planning program officials have become increasingly interested in improving the practice of NFP, both by improving the quality of rhythm practice and by introducing newer, more accurate NFP methods. Over the years a substantial body of research data related to NFP practice in the Philippines has accumulated. This paper presents major findings from past research on NFP in the Philippines, discusses their implications for program management, describes current research, and suggests needs for future research.