Contraceptive practices in newly married women in sub-urban Bangalore
Shah, N.J.; Pradhan, P.; Reddy, A.S.; Joseph, B.
Health and Population Perspectives and Issues 29(1): 21-28
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-6803 Document Number: 681106
The aim of this study was to identify the socioeconomic and demographic correlates of contraceptive use by newly married women living in rural communities of Bangalore City, Karnataka, India . Of the 132 newly married women interviewed, 54 were aged <18 years and 45 were aged 18 or 19 years. All of them, except one, were married before the age of 25 years. Majority of the studied women were housewives (87.1%). Only 14 women had used contraception. Higher household income and educational attainment were significantly associated with the use of contraceptives. An interview with health workers revealed that newly married women were not considered a target group for family planning. It is concluded that newly married women in their late teens should be educated regarding the benefits of postponing their first pregnancy.