Determinants of contraceptive practices among married women in a tertiary care hospital in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Background: India ranks the second most populous nation in the world. Currently, there are about 51 births in India in a minute. Most of the population, both men and women still lack access to adequate family planning method. Objectives: To estimate the extent of contraceptive practices among women in a tertiary care hospital and to determine the factors associated with contraceptive practices among the women. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care hospital, in the family planning unit of OBG department, for a period of three months (Jan 2019 to Mar 2019), among 432 married women. Results: About 70 (16.21%) women were not using any contraceptive, while 362 (83.79 %) women practiced any method of contraception (Prevalence). Female sterilization was the most common method practiced, 122 (33.70%), followed by IUD, 114 (31.5%). Emergency contraception and Male sterilization were the least, 7 (1.94%) and 10 (2.76%) respectively. The contraceptive use was significantly more in the age group of 40 -49 years (X 2 = 6.892, P = 0.031), among Hindus (X 2 = 7.787, P = 0.0506), those living in nuclear family (X 2 = 32.04, P = 0.000), among literate women (X 2 = 128.9, P = 0.000), employed women (X 2 = 13.17, P = 0.0002), literate spouse (X 2 = 73.45, P = 0.000) and employed spouse (X 2 = 70.57, P = 0.000). Marriage and fertility related factors showed that the contraceptive use was significantly more in those with 2 or more children (X 2 = 79.45, P = 0.0000), preference for 2 or more male children (X 2 = 16.34, P = 0.0002), those with no history of abortion (X 2 = 9.748, P = 0.0017) and age of last child more than 5 years (X 2 = 8.852, P = 0.0119). Conclusion: About 16.21% women were still not using any contraceptive, which is a considerable number. The factors responsible are many. Such factors should be focused and prevented.