Are Women Aware about Copper-T? A Comparative Study from West Bengal

Abstract

Background: The rampant population growth has been viewed as the greatest obstacle to the economic and social advancement to the majority of people in the underdeveloped world. Objectives: Comparative study was carried out regarding awareness about Copper-T (Cu-T) and its social correlates among currently married women of reproductive age group in two districts of West Bengal. Study Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive type of observational study. Materials and Methods: Stratified multistage random sampling technique was followed to select villages of sub-centres areas and wards from municipality areas. Total 32 areas were selected from two districts and from each selected area, 125 eligible couples were interviewed by house to house survey to cover (32 X 125) 4000 eligible couples. Statistical Analysis: Proportions and Chi-square test. Results: 55.9% of currently married women of reproductive age group (15-49 yrs.) had knowledge about Cu-T.only 15.2% had the perception about it Awareness was more among urban respondents (67.3%) than rural (52.1%). Influencing factors like religion, age, literacy status, social class, type of family also prevailed in both the districts of West Bengal. Conclusion: Social correlates like age, religion, literacy status, type of family influenced awareness of the respondents about Cu-T. So area specific intervention measures are needed through IEC for genaration of awareness .