An Epidemiological Study on Barriers of Utilization of Contraception among Married Women of Reproductive Age Group in Rural Population of Meerut

Background: Family planning promotion has the potential to reduce poverty, maternal and child mortality, high risk pregnancy, and abortion.

Objectives: To assess the barriers in acceptance of contraception among the women of reproductive age group in the rural population.

Materials and Method: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural setting of Parikshitgarh block of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh. 285 women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) were selected by multistage random sampling. Information regarding the various barriers was obtained from the participants by interview by door to door survey.

Results: Out of the 285 women, contraceptive use was seen in 150(52.6%) whereas 135(47.4%) women were not using any contraceptives. The reasons of non use of contraceptives seen in this study were wanted child/ pregnant 74(54.8%),don’t feel necessary/not interested 33(24.4%), Menorrhagia/abnormal or excessive bleeding 8(5.9%), husband not ready/not allowed 3(2.2%), dimunition of vision 2(1.5%), menopause started early 1(0.7%), uncomfortable/don’t like 1(0.7%), weight loss 1(0.7%).

Conclusions: This study found that desire for child was the main reason for non utilization of contraception followed by not understanding the necessity of contraception. Side effects and opposition from husband were also important reasons but were reported by considerably less women compared to the two major reasons.