Dynamics of Contraceptive Use in Jordan: Based on the 2002 Jordan Demographic and Health Survey

This study is based on information collected in the 2002 Demographic and Health Survey for 2002 in Jordan. The raw data were obtained on CD and analyzed to achieve the study objective, that is, to measure and understand dynamics of contraceptive use and their reasons and differentials by a number of background variables. The dynamics included: contraceptive discontinuation rate by method, reason and destination after discontinuation, contraceptive switching behavior and contraceptive failure rates. The research findings showed that there has been an increase in Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) and a decline in contraceptive discontinuation rate in Jordan in the last decade. CPR increased from 40% in 1990 to 56% in 2002 and 12-month discontinuation rate dropped to 42% in 2002. The dominant modern method (IUD) is used more in urban areas and central region, and among older and educated mothers. On the contrary, traditional methods are more prevalent in rural areas, north and south region, and among younger and less educated mothers. When each method is examined alone, the highest discontinuation rates are found for vaginal methods (Diaphragm/Foam/Jelly), and the condom, followed by pill, injections, periodic abstinence and withdrawal. The lowest discontinuation rate was for IUD and Norplant. Discontinuation rates varied by background characteristics of respondents, such as place of residence, age and education. For users who discontinued use, the highest ratio was due to women’s desire to get pregnant followed by both method failure and side effects of method, then husband’s disapproval and health concerns. Around one third of women indicated reasons of discontinuation related to pregnancy (contraceptive failure and desire to get pregnant) meaning that both groups of women don’t need to switch to other methods. These women are mostly urban, from south and central regions, aged 15-29 and have higher education. About 11% of the women stated that they abandoned the use of contraceptives because they are fed up with the method although they need one. Another 10% switched to a modern method and around 5% changed their modern method to a traditional one. The 12-month crude failure rate for all methods is 12.5%. Crude failure rates for various methods greatly differed from one another. The IUD showed the lowest failure rate (1.4%). This is because user’s errors are seldom found in the IUD use. Due to users’ error, failure rates for the pill came next (13%). The highest crude failure rates were for the traditional methods (periodic abstinence 32%; withdrawal 20%), and the condom; (18%). Failure rates varied according to women’s residence, age and education. The main conclusion of the study is that Jordanian family planning programs should pay attention to couples who discontinue contraceptive use due to methods' failure and untreated side effects, especially to those who switch to traditional methods or abandon method use although they need to use one in order to avoid unintended pregnancies. Dynamic sociodemographic differentials should receive attention too.