Assessing Trends in Women's Reproductive Health and Family Planning in Haryana: Insights from NFHS-4 and NFHS-5

Abstract

Women's reproductive health is a crucial aspect of public health that impacts overall societal well-being and economic stability. In Haryana, India, addressing this issue involves confronting deeply ingrained societal norms and enhancing women's autonomy in health-related decisions. Utilising data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) reports of NFHS-4 (2015–16) and NFHS-5 (2019–21), this study evaluates the reproductive health and family planning issues among women aged 15–49 in the region. The research specifically focuses on analysing key indicators, including the total fertility rate (TFR), the impact of educational attainment on TFR, fertility preferences, birth intervals, the desired number of children, child sex preferences, and the prevalence of contraceptive use. The findings reveal significant trends and variations in these indicators, offering a comprehensive understanding of women's reproductive health in Haryana. The study tracks progress by comparing data from the NFHS-4 and NFHS-5 reports and identifying persistent gaps and areas that require attention. The insights provided by this analysis are critical for policymakers, healthcare providers, and non-governmental organisations striving to enhance reproductive health services and promote women's rights in Haryana. The study emphasises the necessity for targeted interventions that address societal attitudes and provide educational opportunities to improve family planning and reproductive health outcomes. Keywords: fertility rate, reproductive health, family planning, contraceptive prevalence, birth interval, sex preferences.