Low use of contraceptives among rural women in Maitha, Uttar Pradesh, India
Saroha, E.; Altarac, M.; Sibley, L.M.
Journal of the Indian Medical Association 111(5): 302-306; 308
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5847 PMID: 24765687 Document Number: 581600
Low contraceptive utilisation and high fertility in rural Uttar Pradesh (UP), India, is a major concern for the world's second most populous country. The association between reasons for low contraceptive utilisation and maternal factors has been inadequately researched. Data from the 'morbidity and performance assessment' study were analysed to explore reasons for low contraceptive utilisation and their association with maternal factors among 308 women in Maitha, rural UP, India. Chi-square, t-test, ANOVA, and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Majority (84.2%) of the rural women in Maitha, UP, India were not using any contraceptives. Upper caste, literate wives, and wives whose husbands were literate were more likely to use contraceptives. About one-third of the women did not want to use a contraceptive because they wanted another child. Large numbers (65.3%) of women wanted to use contraceptives but were unable to do so due to lack of knowledge (38.9%), fear of side-effects (15.5%), husband/family disapproval (15.5%), inconvenience (10.7%), and other reasons (19.1%). Maternal parity, wives' and husband's literacy were significantly associated with the reasons for low contraceptive utilisation (p < 0.05). Contraceptive utilisation can be Improved by taking into consideration such maternal characteristics. All state subsidised contraceptives should be more widely known, understood and made available.