Contraceptive Trends in Developing Countries

Abstract

This study examines trends and differentials in key family planning indicators in 35 developing countries. The data are for countries with a Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) conducted between 2000 and 2005. Trends are provided for countries with at least one previous DHS survey. The study investigates how knowledge of contraception and use of contraception have changed; whether public-private, urban-rural, and other differentials in contraceptive use have narrowed, and whether women are making informed decisions about the use of contraception. It also examines discontinuation and switching rates, and desisionmaking about family planning.