Knowledge and use of modern contraceptives in a developing country : are the effects of schooling often misunderstood?

The authors found that 88% of the sample have knowledge of modern contraceptives (e.g., pills, I.U.D."s, diaphragms, condoms), and that of the 2,839 women who knew of contraceptives, 53% have used them. Knowledge and use of contraception was positively correlated with schooling level, degree of urbanization, and human capital variables (i.e., a woman"s predicted earnings) and to a lesser extent with household income and family background variables; the effects of schooling were strongest among rural women and were important even after controlling for labor market variables. The authors conclude that while female schooling is related to labor market variables and to efficiency in information use, it also is representing some other important factors in contraceptive use and fertility; policy implications are briefly discussed. Tables showing logit estimates and a 43-item (1950-1981) bibliography are appended.