This paper examines the changing patterns of knowledge, attitude and use of traditional methods of contraception, compared to modern methods, over the last five contraceptive prevalence surveys in Bangladesh (1981-91). The results show that knowledge of at least one method of family planning is universal in Bangladesh and usage is higher at all ages for women who are using modern methods than for those who are using traditional methods. Educated women and those in employment are more likely to use modern contraceptive methods.
PIP: The use of traditional methods of contraception is less common since the introduction of modern contraceptive technology. Traditional methods, however, remain widely practiced in developing countries like Bangladesh, being particularly popular in rural communities. The government of Bangladesh has proposed reducing the use of traditional methods to just 1% by the end of 1995. The authors explored the knowledge, trends, and use of traditional methods, compared to modern methods, using data from the five most recent contraceptive prevalence surveys in Bangladesh, conducted over 1981-91. Results are compared with data from the 1990 Bangladesh Fertility Survey where possible. Analysis of the data found knowledge of at least one method of family planning to be universal in Bangladesh, with use higher at all ages for women who are using modern methods than for women who are using traditional methods. Educated women and those in employment are more likely to use modern contraceptive methods.