Socio-biological determinants of contraceptive practice in a district of West Bengal, India: An appraisal

Abstract

Background:Contraceptive practice is said to be associated with socio-economic status, education & many other factors prevailed in the areas. Population stabilization and reduction of population growth are the basic aims behind contraceptive practices. Objectives: To assess current status of contraceptive practice among eligible couples & determine its social correlates. Material & Methods: A community based cross- sectional study was carried out in Paschim Midnapur district of West Bengal in 2009. Multistage random sampling method was followed. Total 16 areas were selected for study purpose and from each area 125 married women were interviewed to cover 2000 eligible couples. Results: 67.4% contraceptive prevalence rate and 62.6% couple protection rate were observed in the study with a finding that contraceptive use directly proportional with literacy status and social class. The contribution of tubectomy was highest (61.9%) in couple protection. Area wise variation (46% to 76%) in couple protection rate also detected. Conclusion: Strengthening of Behavior change Communication Campaign needed for awareness generation in promotion of spacing methods.