Contraceptive practices among married women in a resettlement colony of Delhi
Patro, B.K.; Kant, S.; Baridalyne, N.; Goswami, A.K.
Health and Population Perspectives and Issues 28(1): 9-16
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-6803 Document Number: 256042
A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted in a resettlement colony in Delhi, India to find out the contraceptive usage among currently married women aged 15-49 years, and the factors influencing the use of such contraceptive practices. Out of 520 women interviewed, complete information could not be obtained from 60 and therefore data for 460 women were included in the final analysis. The findings revealed that about 60.0% of the eligible couples were using a contraceptive method, and the effective couple protection rate (CPR) was 56.1%. Majority (37.0%) of these women had undergone tubal ligation. Among the users of temporary methods of contraception, condom (56.0%) was the most preferred. Permanent methods of contraception were mainly availed from public sector hospitals. Decision regarding contraceptive use in the family was mostly taken jointly by the husband and wife (65.7%). The number of living children at the time of first contraceptive use was found to be more than two in 74.4% of the cases. Socio-economic status (SES) of the family was seen as significantly associated with the use of contraceptive method. The reasons for non-acceptance were either for an expectation of a male child (44.0%) or fear of side effects (29.0%). Despite their knowledge on different methods, one-third of the women was found not using any contraception because it was not available free of cost.