| Information categories | Data to gather | Using the information | Making decisions |
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| Socio-economic characteristics of target groups | Income levels.Rural-urban breakdown.Educational levels. | Managers can determine what variables influence acceptance of family planning and utilization of services. | Allocation of effort and resources to maximize demand for and utilization of family planning services. |
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| Factors influencing fertility | Age of marriage.Parity when contraception begins.Years married prior to contraception. | Managers can determine whether the current users will influence population growth. | Formulation of objectives and selection of target groups for maximum program impact. |
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| Demand for and use of contraceptive methods | Ratios of permanent to temporary methods.Sources of supply for each method.Unit costs for delivering the different methods.Reasons for choosing contraceptives.Reasons for practicing family planning. | Managers can determine whether the contraceptive supply and distribution system is compatible with user needs. | Selection of contraceptive mix to achieve program objectives and satisfy users. |
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| Discontinuation of use and contraceptive failure | Discontinuation rates per contraceptive.Failure rates per contraceptive.Side effects and complications related to contraceptive use.Reasons for discontinuation.Results of discontinuing a method. | Managers can determine how satisfied users are with the family planning program. | Formulating best method mix.What types of personnel to assign.How to balance clinic and community services. |
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| Quality of services | Application of clinical protocols.Behavior, competence, and experience of staff.Physical environment of clinic. | Managers can take action to improve existing services. | Formulating best method mix.Training and supervising staff.Choosing most effective delivery system. |
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| Characteristics of community participation and support | Level of community participation.Amount of community financing.Approaches to follow-up. | Managers can use this information to decide on the best strategy to increase community involvement and motivation. | Assess prospects for community self-financing of family planning program. |
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