Knowledge, attitudes and practice of family planning in a rural district of Zambia

A survey was conducted in Chipata District, in the Eastern Province of Zambia from June to September 1986. The results revealed that 50 - 60 percent of wives had ever used traditional contraception (abstinence, prolonged lactation and rhythm).Ever-use of modern contraceptives (pill, lUD, Barrier methods. Tubal ligation) was shown to be as low as 6 percent and the desire for many children very strong, the mean ideal number of children was found to be 6.8.Nearly 80 percent of women interviewed, however, expressed a willingness to attend a family planning clinic if one were accessible to them. This finding suggests that a significant interest in family planning exists in Chipata District.