Epidemiological correlates of unmet need for contracep-tion in slum dwellers in Karad Town, Western Maharash-tra

Abstract

Background: Unmet need is one of the challenges to meet the contraceptive use among slum dwellers. The study was conducted among married women in the reproductive age group (18-49 years) in slum dwellers Karad town, western Maharashtra. Objective:-1) To assess the prevalence of unmet need for family planning among married women living in slum area of Karad town.2) To identify the different variables which are associated with unmet need for contraception. 3) To find out reason for unmet need for family planning. Methods: This was a Community based, Observational Analytical cross -sectional study. By systematic random sampling method, 201 reproductive sexually active women were included. A predesigned, and pretested questionnaire by personal interview method data was collected from the respondents with written consent. Results: Study showed, 71(35.3%) of women had an unmet need for family planning. While 130(64.7%) had showed met need for family planning. More than 34 years of age (OR=4.633, CI 1.6- 12.6), Hindus (OR=2.039, CI 0.91 - 4.5), < 5years of women married life (OR=8.37, CI 2.2 - 31), all were found to be risk factor for unmet need (OR>1). The most prevalent reason for not using contraceptives was ignorance i.e. 33(46.5%).