651The voice of Indian women on family planning: A qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis

Abstract

Abstract Background This systematic review and meta-synthesis was conducted to explore the views and experiences of women on family planning in India. Methods We included qualitative studies conducted in India and published in English. PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINHAL and ProQuest were searched from inception till April 2019. Population of interest were women in reproductive age group. Additionally, husband of the woman and mother-in-law were eligible to be included. Studies conducted among HIV positive, commercial sex workers and drug addicts were excluded. Selection of studies (titles, abstracts and full tests screening), data extraction and methodological quality assessment (using CASP checklist) was undertaken independently by four authors in pairs. Any discrepancies were resolved by discussion until consensus. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data (PROSPERO registration number CRD42018093960). Results We included 39 full texts through database and reference searching. Most of the women were married. Main themes were; ‘family influence’, ‘perceived benefits/harm of son/daughter’, ‘perceived misconception of contraception’, ‘socio-cultural norms’, ‘abortion as a family planning option’, ‘healthcare reach and mistrust’ and ‘demographic dividend’. Conclusion There is a need to include husband and mother-in-law while delivering messages or strategies to women on family planning in India. Traditional norms are deep rooted in the community therefore, family planning strategies should be context and need based. Key message Meta-synthesis is a promising approach to gather evidence of complex health problems that require an understanding of social and cultural determinants of health.