Journal of Women's Health Care
Open Access

Abstract

The Socio-demographic Determinants of Contraceptive Use among Rural Women in Reproductive Age Group

Valekar SS, Chawla PS, Tukaram HP, Fernandez K and Kalra K

Background: Use of family planning methods are influenced by a variety of interrelated factors such as age at marriage, education, economic status, religion, number of living children etc. An endeavour has been made to assess these factors for acceptance of various contraceptive methods among women, in a rural area of Maharashtra. Objective: To assess the socio-demographic determinants of contraceptive acceptance in rural women. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 37 villages of Karla PHC in Pune, Maharashtra during Jan 2012 to Dec 2012. 378 women in reproductive age group were surveyed with proportionate sampling method and pre-designed questionnaire with prior informed consent. Results: Out of 378, 57% were contraceptive users. Contraceptive use was more in ever married women in 25-34 years age, women married at 15-19 years age and also having 1st pregnancy at 15-19 years age and women studied up to primary education. Age of women, Age at marriage, Age at 1st child, Number of children, Number of male children, literacy status of women, literacy status of spouse and type of family have shown influence on contraceptive use and this influence was consistent with the type of contraceptive method being used except literacy status of spouse. Socio-economic status and religion of women does not show any influence on the use of contraceptives.