The contraceptive prevalence rate in Indonesia is already high, however, contraceptive discontinuation is also high. To achieve the national target of the family planning program, there is a need to reduce contraceptive discontinuation. This study aimed to examine factors affecting contraceptive discontinuation in Indonesia.
The study used data from the 2007 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). The study included 22,657 non-pregnant and non-sterilized married women aged 15-49 years old who have used at least one contraceptive method. The study applied univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses, specifically binary logistical analysis.
The results show that contraceptive knowledge, spousal communication, women’s autonomy, exposure to family planning messages, and socio-economic and demographic factors have significantly affected contraceptive discontinuation. The results of adjusted proportionate probability analysis show that both exposure to family planning messages through personal contact and women’s autonomy have had strong effects on contraceptive discontinuation.
The study suggests that shifting family planning messages from introducing contraceptive methods to teaching contraceptive practice correctly, increasing the number of family planning field workers, family planning visits, and counseling and improving Behavior Change Communication (BCC) activities will reduce contraceptive discontinuation.