Periodic abstinence in the Philippines : new findings from a national survey

Quantitative findings are emphasized and subnational differences largely disregarded. The survey was conducted of 607 current and recent periodic abstinence users, using a highly detailed, semistructured interview schedule, to provide information on which to base strategies for increasing the method"s effectiveness. A concluding section on the implications of survey findings - among them that periodic abstinence, and calendar rhythm in particular, was used by more couples than any other method except sterilization - for the Philippine family planning program focuses on the educational needs of periodic abstinence users and trainers.