Reproductive health in central and eastern Europe: priorities and needs.

The countries in Central and Eastern Europe combine induced abortion as the method of choice for family planning with low contraceptive use (Hungary and Slovenia excepted). This widespread use of induced abortion has a negative influence on reproductive and general public health, and an effort should be made to introduce modern, effective family planning. Both information, education and communication (IEC) programmes (for the users) and training in contraceptive technology and counselling (for the providers) is badly needed, as well as a continuing supply of contraceptives. In order to design optimal programmes, more research into knowledge, attitude and practice with regard to sexuality, sexual behaviour and contraception is urgently needed. So far, little research into contraceptive behaviour and its determinants has been done in Central and Eastern Europe, but the few data that are available point towards a lack of contraceptive knowledge in both the population and amongst contraception providers. The cultural differences between Western and Eastern industrialized countries are often underestimated or ignored, but because of the special situation in the countries in Central and Eastern Europe, education programmes which were successful elsewhere in the world may not work in these countries and may require extensive adaption to local needs and customs. Alternatively, special education programmes need to be developed. Programmes, especially those addressing contraception, should be combined with a long-term commitment for support and the provision of contraceptives.