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Knowledge and attitudes of grassroots family planning workers about contraceptive methods – Philippines

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This publication presents the results of a 1987 survey assessing the knowledge, attitudes and practices of grassroots family planning workers in the Philippines, based on interviews with 1,141 workers across 241 clinics. The study finds that although most workers had formal training and generally strong knowledge of modern contraceptive methods, important gaps persisted—especially regarding injectables and key technical aspects of pills and IUDs. Workers tended to emphasize side-effects excessively and showed a bias toward recommending pills and IUDs, while under-recommending condoms, rhythm and withdrawal despite their widespread use. The “cafeteria principle” of offering a wide range of contraceptive options was understood but not consistently applied, as many workers suggested only one or two methods. The study recommends strengthening training, improving balanced counselling, and expanding contraceptive availability—particularly in rural clinics—to improve client choice and program effectiveness.