Early discontinuation of contraceptive use in Niger and The Gambia

In 1989 and 1990, studies were conducted among 650 new contraceptive users in Niger and 570 in The Gambia to assess the extent of and reasons for contraceptive discontinuation within the first eight months of acceptance. Approximately 30% of new family planning clients discontinued contraceptive use within that time. Side effects, travel by either partner, spousal disapproval, and desired pregnancy were the principal reasons given for stopping use, although in some cases clients may have simply offered what they felt was an acceptable reason. Discontinuation was higher among clients who felt they did not receive adequate counseling than it was among those who felt they had.