Contraceptive practice and fertility in Thailand: results of the Third Contraceptive Prevalence Survey.

The Third Contraceptive Prevalence Survey in Thailand was conducted in 1984. Results indicate a continuation of the rapid rise in contraceptive use among married couples that has been taking place over the past 15 years. Prevalence levels are approaching those common in economically advanced countries. Sterilization is now the most common method, although a fairly broad range of other methods is also widely used. Only modest levels of unmet need for contraception for either limiting family size or spacing children now exist. Fertility rates have fallen since the previous survey, done three years earlier, but to a lesser extent than would be expected from the increased use of contraceptives. Family size preferences are concentrated at small family sizes. A comparison between the Buddhist majority and Moslem minority, made possible through a special sample design, reveals substantial differences between the two groups. Contraceptive use is lower and fertility levels and preferences are higher among Moslems than among Buddhists.