Assessment of the Social Factors Affecting the use of Contraceptives and the Stigma Associated

Vijayalaxmi ​ Mangasuli,A M Amrutha,Bhagyalaxmi Sidenur,M Sudharani,M Bhoovanachandran,M R Nagendra Gowda

doi:10.51131/ijpccr/v2i4.9

Abstract

The factors affecting the use of contraceptives and social stigma associated with it has caused significant uncontrolled growth of population, which is the most important problem with developing countries like India. The only effective way of controlling population explosion is through promotion and practice of contraception and family planning. To assess the social factors affecting the use of contraceptives and the stigma associated with it. To assess basic knowledge about contraceptive methods and relationship between knowledge of contraceptives and formal education; Compare knowledge and use of contraceptives in rural and urban populations, different occupational categories and economic statuses; Determine the major source of information about contraceptives in different age groups and to assess reasons for using and not using contraceptives. The research indicated that, still a significant percentage of population do not have proper knowledge, have hesitancy in buying, hesitancy in discussing contraceptive methods. Significant portion of the study group is not using contraceptive methods to prevent STDs or for practicing birth spacing. Low socioeconomic status was associated with not using any form of contraception among women with unintended pregnancies. We have received maximum responses from females (67.0%); from males (33.0%). We have received maximum response from undergraduates (41.2%) and least from people with no formal schooling (4.6%). Educational interventions can help increase knowledge of available contraceptive methods, enabling individuals to make informed decisions and use contraception more effectively. Health education may help overcome the issues related to social stigma on the use of contraceptives and family planning. Keywords: Contraceptives, Family planning, Knowledge, Social stigma

Highlights

The most important problem with developing countries like India is the uncontrolled growth of population
We found that maximum use of contraceptives is seen among women with no children (45.0%)
On the basis of the data collected our finding suggests that 64.8% have never used any family planning or contraceptive methods before, mainly because they wanted more children, had negative perceptions about family planning, or had concerns about side- effects and due to lack of access to information and service

Summary

Introduction

The most important problem with developing countries like India is the uncontrolled growth of population. The only effective way of controlling population explosion is through promotion and practice of contraception and Family planning. As ironic as it may sound- many in India, even today, hesitate to speak about family planning or contraceptives. India was the first country in the world to adopt an official population policy and launch official family planning programme way back in 1952, which remains the mainstay of family planning efforts (1). The programme focused on the health rationale of family planning. Though progress has been made since 1952, it’s not enough to stop the increased depletion of natural resources or to increase the standard of living of ‘the last person’ in the nation (2)

Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion