REVEALING EXPLORATION OF FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CONTRACEPTIVE PRACTICES AMONGST ELIGIBLE COUPLES OF ANGANWADI IN URBAN SLUM OF DISTRICT BHOPAL - A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Family planning is crucial for population to attain good health and quality life. Contraceptive use not only decreases unintended pregnancies and reduces infant and maternal mortality and morbidity but also helps in national reforms. This study sought to determine the coverage and determinants of contraceptive’s usage among eligible couples of a slum in Bhopal district. Methods: This cross-sectional community based study was conducted from March 2022 to May 2022. Out of 375, about 200 eligible couples were selected by stratified random sampling method from slum area of Damkheda Anganwadi, field practice area of L N Medical College, Bhopal. Data was collected from a semi structured proforma. It contains questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics and contraceptive practices of participants. Percentage and proportion used for statistical analysis along with Chi Square test. Result: Majority of women participants belonged to 25- 34 years of age, all were married and hindu and out of them 53% belonged to schedule caste and 52% were from lower middle socioeconomic status. The couple protection rate observed 72%. One third of participants used barrier method as contraception. Use of contraception and socioeconomic status were found significantly associated (p value = 0.04). Conclusion: Couple Protection Rate was found appropriate in study population, though different factors age of women, literacy status of female partner, socioeconomic status, type of family and number of living children affect contraceptive behavior. Study highlights the need for Information Education Communication activity and constant interaction by health workers with the eligible couples for boosting family planning program and availability of contraception to their door step.