Exploration of perception of contraceptives among married women in rural West Bengal

Introduction: Unregulated fertility not only has adverse impact on the health of a woman and her child but also disrupts the economy of society and nation. Thus appropriate knowledge and practice of contraception by couples can help in reducing population burden in a major way and thus markedly improve both health and economy of the nation. Aim: This study was undertaken to determine the knowledge and practice of contraception among married women in rural West Bengal and association of practice with female literacy. Material and methods: A cross-sectional, clinic-based study was conducted using a pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire on 104 married women in the reproductive age group, attending the outpatient department of a rural health centre at Singur block, West Bengal. Pregnant women were excluded from the study. Results: Majority of the women had knowledge about permanent methods (99.03%), oral pills (95.19%) and condoms (94.23%) but very few knew about emergency contraceptives (8.65%) and none about female condoms, diaphragms and implants .Social circle (41.3%) and health personnel (31.7%) served as the major sources of information. 85.57% were currently using some form of contraception. Most of the current users (49.04%) had undergone tubal ligation but none adopted male sterilization. Completion of family was the main reason of usage (57.3%) and fear of side effects (46.7%) and desire for children (40%) were the main reasons behind non usage. Husbands mostly decided the method of contraception (64.04%). Education served as a significant determinant of contraceptive use. Conclusion: Elimination of stigma related to vasectomy and women empowerment and literacy will improve contraceptive use.