The problem of compliance in family planning is discussed in relation to the lack of theoretical and conceptual clarity in research, which has produced contradictory, and often inconsistent findings. Current research has contributed little to explaining the phenomenon of compliance and to directing further research. The Health Belief Model, which has been demonstrated to have application in the areas of preventive health behavior and compliance with medical regimens, is offered as a potentially useful conceptual framework for family planning research. The generalization of the Health Belief Model to family planning behavior is seen as an out-growth of the theoretical strength of the Model and the similarities between family planning and other health behavior.
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