Balancing the present and the future: a study of contraceptive use in Calcutta's slums
Dutta, M.; Husain, Z.
World Health and Population 12(3): 23-32
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1718-3340 PMID: 21677526 DOI: 10.12927/whp.2011.22194Document Number: 217352
Calcutta, an important metropolitan city in eastern India, has a large slum population. Despite the poor economic status of this population, analysis of DHS data (2004-2005) reveals that contraceptive use levels in Calcutta slums is quite high, with a large proportion preferring terminal methods. Econometric analysis reveals that cultural factors are important determinants of contraceptive use. Results also indicate that respondents attempt to balance current needs (by trying to limit family size through use of contraceptives) but also try to provide for the future (by having at least one son before adopting family planning methods).