Why do Educated Women in Sri Lanka Mostly Rely on Traditional Contraceptive Methods?

The traditional contraceptive users among higher educated women are considerably higher than the lower educated women in Sri Lanka during 1993 to 2006-07. This study attempts to examine the factors influencing the reliance on traditional contraceptive methods among educated women in Sri Lanka. The study uses data from the SLDHS 2006-07 and qualitative in-depth interviews. Fear on side effects of modern contraceptive methods and building up the strong confidence on traditional contraceptive methods are found as main factors of influencing the use of traditional contraceptive methods. Lack of time in using modern contraceptive methods and fewer frequency of sexual intercourse are also found as other factors. Since some misbelieves on modern contraceptive methods among educated women were found, several policy implications such as strengthening the family planning counselling targeting the educated women, introducing institutionalized awareness programmes on contraceptive technologies for working women and promoting awareness programme on family planning through media are described. The importance of disseminating proper education on modern contraceptive use among educated women is highlighted in order to maintain the replacement level fertility which supports for the country’s development.