DETERMINANTS AND PATTERN OF BIRTH CONTROL METHODS IN AMBALA.

Saima Nazir MD, Arshad Rashid* MS, FNB (MAS), FIAGES and Anshu Mittal MD

ABSTRACT

Background: Understanding the pattern and determinants of contraceptive usage can help planners strengthen the population control programs. The present study was carried out to assess the pattern of birth control methods and their determinant factors among married women of reproductive age group. Methods: The present study was carried out in the urban and rural areas of district Ambala, Haryana. A total of 2000 participants were included in this study, divided equally into rural and urban areas. Data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire, which was administered as a face-to-face interview during house-to-house visits by the first author. Results: Tubectomy was the most common method of contraception being employed by the respondents in both rural (34.8%) and urban areas (26.2%) whereas the least common modality employed was vasectomy (1.8% in rural and 2% in urban areas), which was statistically significant [P - value < 0.0001]. The most commonly cited reason for not using birth control methods in rural areas was family inhibition (19%) where as the same was unhappiness with health services (18.4) in urban respondents [P – value < 0.0001]. Less perceived risk of pregnancy, cost-factor, infertility scare and lack of knowledge about the availability of contraceptives were some other factors associated with not using birth control methods. Conclusion: In the present study, the level of usage of birth control methods was comparable to the National Statistics. The present study identifies the gap between knowledge, attitude and practice of women folk regarding family planning.

Keywords: Contraception; Birth Control; Family Planning; Determinant.