Clinic Discontinuation and Contraceptive Need

The results of a follow-up study of dropouts from the Orleans Parish Family Planning Program in New Orleans, Louisiana were provided. During 1969, 4516 patients accepted contraceptives from the program and as of March 1972, 1635 of these patients discontinued their participation in the program. A sample of 527 of these dropouts was randomly selected for inclusion in the study. Of these 527 patients, 158 were lost to follow-up, 2 refused to participate, and 50 returned to the program prior to interview. The remaining 317 were interviewed and classified as either currently in need of contraception, temporarily not in need, or permanently not in need. 153 patients or 48.3% of the dropouts, were classified as currently in need of contraception, and among these patients, 50 were practicing effective contraception, 41 were using less effective methods, and 62 were using no method. Many of the respondents who were practicing less effective methods or no methods indicated that they were dissatisfied with the method provided by the clinic. Clinic strategies should be revised to provide more information on alternative methods. 107 patients, or 33.7% of the dropouts were classed as temporarily not in need of contraception, 16 were currently pregnant with planned conceptions, 25 were currently pregnant with unplanned conception, 13 were less than 6 months postpartum, 12 wanted to become pregnant, 47 were sexually inactive, and 4 were subfecund. Efforts should be made to reestablish contact with the sexually inactive patients on a periodical basis. 57 patients or 18.0% of the dropouts were permanently not in need of contraception because of sterilization, postmenopause, or death.