Reasons and correlates of contraceptive discontinuation in Kuwait

Objectives: (1) To examine the probability of discontinuation of various methods within 1, 2, and three years of use and the reasons for discontinuation; 2) to analyse the socio-demographic correlates of discontinuation. Methods: Data from a survey of Kuwaiti women in reproductive ages conducted in 1999 were used. Information on duration of use of modern and traditional methods, and reasons for discontinuation during the 72 months before the survey were analysed. Probabilities of discontinuation were estimated through multiple decrement life table analysis. Results: After 1 year, 30% of modern and 40% of traditional method users had discontinued; after 3 years, discontinuation increased to 66 and 70%, respectively. After 36 months, only 40% of IUD users discontinued compared with 74% of oral contraceptive users. The desire to become pregnant was the leading reason for discontinuation of most modern methods, while method failure was an equally important reason for traditional methods. Discontinuation was significantly more frequent among higher parity, non-working and Bedouin women, and among those who said Islam disapproves of contraception. Discussion: Contraception is used largely for spacing. More than two-thirds of the women studied had discontinued most methods after three years, except the IUD, which was used only by about 10% of them. Traditional methods are often discontinued due to method failure and may result in an unintended pregnancy. Better counselling is warranted for traditional methods. Health care for managing side effects of modern methods also needs improvement.