ABSTRACT
This paper blends quantitative with qualitative data in an investigation of community and contraceptive choice in Nang Rong, Thailand. Specifically, it develops an explanation of 1) method dominance within villages, coupled with 2) marked differences between villages in the popularity of particular methods. The quantitative analysis demonstrates the importance of village location and placement of family planning services for patterns of contraceptive choice. The qualitative data provide a complementary perspective, emphasizing the importance of social as well as physical space and giving particular attention to the structure of conversational networks.
Subject(s)
Contraception Behavior , Developing Countries , Rural Population , Social Environment , Adolescent , Adult , Family Planning Services , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Social Conformity , ThailandABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to investigate the reasons that rural people in Nan Province choose particular contraceptive methods, and places of services. The study utilizes the data from the study on the Impact and Efficiency of the Family Planning Program in Thailand: Phase II, which applied in-depth interview and small group discussion techniques. Findings indicate that wanting to limit the number of children to 2, wanting to space pregnancy, the limit of land, the conflict with working situation, and economic hardship are the reasons for using family planning. The major sources of contraception are health center, community health office, village health volunteer, village health practitioner, the border patrol police unit, and the military unit including other government agencies in the areas. As for the reasons for choosing a particular contraceptive method, convenience in practice and on obtaining services, desire for more children and concern over side effects are important.
