Birth Spacing: Women’s Knowledge, Methods Adopted and Barriers - A study from Urban Tamil Nadu
Journal Title: National Journal of Research in Community Medicine - Year 2017, Vol 6, Issue 2
Abstract
Back ground: WHO recommends a spacing of 2 to 3 years between births as it reduces the risk of infant and child mortality and maternal morbidity. Recent data shows that adoption of temporary methods are very low and discontinuation rates are high. This study explores women’s knowledge on birth spacing, reasons for poor adoption of temporary contraceptives and barriers in using it. Materials and methods: It is a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary maternity hospital with 270 women who had delivered their second, third and above child were interviewed using a questionnaire. Results: Among all 39% had a birth interval <2years between 1 st and 2 nd child. Almost 60% of women knew that a birth interval of three years is required, for improving the health of the mother and for taking care of the previous child. Copper-T (95.2%)and Oral Pills (24.8%) were known, yet not preferred because of the side effects (65%) and condoms known (38%), but not preferred mainly because of poor spousal support(40%). The other methods were least known. Abortion was also considered as a method of contraception (5.2%). Doctors were the main source of information about temporary methods of contraception (73.3%). Forty three percent had adopted temporary contraceptives of which 66% had used Copper-T and 28% condoms, however discontinuation rates within 3years was 90%. Low perceived risk of pregnancy (53%), inadequate knowledge and fear of side effects of the contraceptive (27%), abortion as an option in case of conception (6%) and lack of spousal support (14%) were reasons for not adopting contraceptives. Conclusion: Knowledge on birth spacing is high yet observed birth interval was less. Wide knowledge-preference-practice gap in use of temporary contraceptives exists. Health-care providers should educate couples on the process of conception, need for spacing births, risks of induced abortions and promote use of temporary contraceptives giving various options.
Authors and Affiliations
Jayanthi TP, Abishek B.
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP310545
- DOI -
- Views 69
- Downloads 0
Epidemiological determinants of contraceptive practices among eligible couples in a rural area of Thrissur, Kerala
Background: India launched the Family Planning Programme in 1952 to accelerate the country’s socioeconomic development and to reduce the rate of population growth. In spite of the efforts by the government, women, especi...
Decentralization of Treatment Services for Drug Resistant Tuberculosis – A Patient Friendly Strategy from Telangana Region of India
Context: Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) is a major public health challenge in India. In 2016, WHO estimates 79,000DR-TB cases among the notified pulmonary TB cases emerging annually in India. Revised National Tuberc...
Prevalence Of Rheumatic Heart Disease In Urban School Going Children In South India, A Community Based Cross Sectional Study
Background: Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease (RF & RHD) continues be a significant public health problem in less privileged regions of the world.Considering the importance of periodic surveys in countries wher...
A Community Based Comparative Study on Gender Preferences, Awareness and Attitude regarding Sex Determination among Women of North Karnataka
Background: Gender preferences for children have been widely observed around the globe. In India, female infanticide has been practiced for centuries. The problem is getting worse as scientific methods of detecting the s...
STUDY ON PROPORTION OF MENSTRUAL DISORDER AMONG PROFESSIONAL COLLEGE STUDENTS IN GADAG CITY – A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY.
Background: Menstruation is a physiological phenomenon in women. Any deviation from this normal physiology is known as menstrual disorder. Prevalence of menstrual disorder ranges between 34. 6% to 95%. Objectives:1)To kn...