Contraception Use: Does Socio Economic Factors Matter in Maharashtra, India? An Investigation through NFHS-4 Data

Abstract

Introduction: Reproductive health care is the collection of preventive methods, techniques and indicators that contribute towards healthy and reproductive well-being. Under reproductive health and rights, it is the right of every women and men to be informed about the contraceptive choices and to have access to quality family planning techniques. Objective: The research paper examines the use of modern limiting, spacing and traditional methods of contraceptives among tribal and non-tribal women of Maharashtra. It also attempts to study the factors associated with the current use of modern methods of contraceptives in Maharashtra. The reason behind lack of contraceptive usage is analyzed. Method: The NFHS IV (2015-16) data published by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is used for the study. The data on family planning is accessed from woman questionnaire of the survey with a sample size of 29,460 women of Maharashtra. The data is analyzed using SPSS by applying binary logistic regression method. Results: The use of modern contraceptives in association with place of residence, age, education, wealth index among the young couples of both tribal and non-tribal married women is found. Unmet need for High Priority Districts (HPS’s) and a district wise trend for modern use of contraceptives among tribal and non tribal women is analyzed. Conclusion:The findings of research study will contribute to identify the varioussocio cultural, demographic and community-based interventions which can significantly improve the modern contraceptive usage among married couples of Maharashtra