Practice of contraception and attitudes towards family planning: findings of a sample survey
Pethe, V.P.
Aicc Economic Review. Indian National Congress. all India Congress Committee 1962: 1-3
1962
PMID: 12336257 Document Number: 374979
This paper presents some of the relevant findings of a demographic inquiry conducted in Shalapur City (State of Maharashtra) in 1955. 1071 males and 1141 females from 1203 families comprised the sample size of the survey. The results show that there is widespread ignorance, even in urban population, and apathy regarding the subject of family planning. Only 9% of the males and 3% of the females had complete knowledge about family planning. Actual practice of contraception is very rare, with only 2% each of males and females reporting the use of contraceptive methods. In spite of the ignorance and apathy of the population, their general attitudes towards the basic concept of family planning were quite receptive and progressive. However, most resent the idea of controlling births by means of artificial contraceptive devices. Optimum number of children desired by about 8 out of every 10 respondents was 5. The results show that with proper organization for family planning education of the masses, family planning may have a chance in this country.