Figure 7. Selected characteristics of patients of organized family planning programs, FY 1973 Patients in organized programs typically are young - more than half are below 25 years of age. Most have completed high school and have fewer than two children. Nearly two-thirds are white, and one in six is a recipient of public assistance. Figure 8. Contraceptive method used most recently by patients in organized programs, More than five out of every six patients in organized programs chose the most effective methods of contraception available - pills, intrauterine devices or voluntary sterilization. From the viewpoint of contraceptive efficacy, patients of organized programs are better protected against unwanted pregnancy than the average U.S. couple. Figure 9. Contraceptive method used by patients prior to and after enrollment in organized programs, FY 1973 One of the principal functions of the organized family planning program is to assist patients to upgrade their contraceptive practices. Before enrolling in the program, more than half of all patients used no method or less effective methods. After the first visit, more than four out of five chose pills, IUDs or voluntary sterilization. 31-151 74 pt. 2 15 Figure 10. Contraceptive methods used by patients of organized family planning programs younger than age 20, FY 1973 The upgrading function of organized programs is particularly important among younger patients. Prior to clinic enrollment half of patients below 20 years of age used no method, and many others used less effective methods. At last clinic visit, 87 percent used pills or IUDs. The program is thus helping young low-income women to utilize the most effective means of contraception before they have one or more unwanted births. Figure 11. Estimated number of patients of organized programs receiving specified health services at initial and annual visits, FY 1973. In addition to effective contraception, family planning patients receive important physical examinations and lab tests. As a result, organized family planning programs have become the nation's largest providers of preventive health services for low and marginal income women of childbearing age. |