IJCM_53A: Association between women’s autonomy and unintended pregnancy in India using NFHS- 5

Abstract

Background: Numerous research studies conducted in low- and middle- income nations have suggested that women’s autonomy can be a major factor in lowering the rate of unwanted pregnancies. In the Indian setting, where patriarchy is prevalent and women’s participation in crucial choices is restricted by sociocultural norms, there is limited data on women’s autonomy. The National Family Health Survey 2019-2021 (NFHS-5) provides information on population, health, and nutrition for India and each state/union territory (UT). Data of 4,00606 women aged 15-49 years who reported their reproductive intentions were extracted and analysed in which 3,70,691 had a birth in the last five years and were not pregnant, and 29,915 women were pregnant at the time of the survey. Objective: To determine the association between women’s autonomy and unintended pregnancy in India. Methodology: The National Family Health Survey-5 conducted in 2019-21 was used for the analysis. Information on ever-married women was extracted from women aged 15-49 years. Bivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association of unintended pregnancy with women’s autonomy, demographic, socio-economic, and social context variables. Results: The highest proportion of unintended pregnancies 12.82% were found in the women with low autonomy. A significant difference was seen between the pregnancy intention of respondents and their demographic, economic and social covariates. The prevalence of unintended pregnancy was higher among women who were in the age group 15-24 years, in the poorest wealth quintile, lived in rural areas, had more than three children, and who married before the age of 18 years. Conclusion: Improvement in women’s autonomy can reduce unintended pregnancy in India. Women with higher autonomy will be able to regulate their fertility and can appropriately limit their family size.