Contraception and pregnancy after dropping out of family planning clinics: A national interview survey in Jamaica

A random national sample of 299 clinic dropouts from the Jamaica National Family Planning Program were interviewed at least five months beyond their first missed clinic appointment. Correlates of early (after 1 or 2 visits) versus late (3+ visits) dropping out, continued contraceptive practice, and pregnancy since visiting the clinic were identified. The Health Belief Model of “compliance” behavior is proposed as an appropriate theoretical basis for future studies of clinic dropouts.