Abstract
Objective : The present study aims to analyze the attitude and awareness of wives of male migrants (WMM) towards EC (Emergency Contraceptives Pills) residing in either of three countries of the Indian subcontinent (India, Bangladesh, and Nepal). Further, the present study also aims to identify the socioeconomic determinants of the EC awareness of WMM. Methods : A cross-sectional survey of 621 WMM was conducted across multiple low-income sites in the three countries. Findings: The majority of the respondents (77.6%) reported being aware of EC methods, out of which the majority (32%) reported their friends circle to be the primary source of knowledge followed by husband (23.4%), family members (19.9%) and healthcare workers (9.8%), respectively. About 56% of the respondents reported that they consumed EC pills more than thrice in the last year. The study discovered that WMM engaged in unprotected intercourse about 5 times (SD= ±1.6) on average in the last year. While the reported consumption of EC pills by WMM was 2.6 times (SD= ±1.2) on an average during the same year. Regression analysis revealed that ‘place of husband’s migration’ is the strongest determinant of WMM’s EC awareness (OR=3.67, p<0.05), followed by ‘age of the WMM’ (OR=2.12, p<0.05), and ‘religion’ (OR=1.32, p<0.05) respectively. Furthermore, ‘having children’ was also found to be a significant determinant (p<0.05). Novelty : Firstly, the study offers an examination of comparison of WMMs’ attitudes and awareness residing in three low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), an area not thoroughly investigated in previous studies. Secondly, the study has identified the factors influencing the awareness of EC among WMM, a subject largely unexplored in prior research. Conclusion : We conclude that based on the findings the level of awareness of EC is not adequate and policymakers could use these findings to strengthen the reproductive health policies of targeted intervention groups. Keywords: Emergency contraceptives, Left behind, Wives of migrants, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Low- and middle-income countries
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