Standard Days Method: Discontinuation and Program Effectiveness

Claudia Velasquez, Georgetown University
Ernesto Pinto, CEMOPLAF
Rebecka I. Lundgren, Georgetown University

Contraceptive discontinuation accounts for nearly one third of unintended pregnancies in many countries. Understanding discontinuation can guide service improvement. Studies were conducted in six countries to test Standard Days Method introduction. Programs found the method acceptable and feasible to offer. Discontinuation varied significantly by type of program and user. Users were highly satisfied; most discontinued due to out of range cycles rather than dissatisfaction. Discontinuation tended to occur in the first three months. Six month continuation rates averaged at 76%. Analysis showed higher continuation among women 25 years or older. Educational level and prior family planning use had different effects by region. In India, continuation was significantly higher among women with prior use and at least six years of schooling; Central America’s trends show better continuation among less educated women with no previous family planning use. Programmatic recommendations for maximizing continuation will be presented.