Factors contributing on use of modern family planning methods among sinhalese married women in Hindagala

Abstract

This study was done to determine the factors such as socio-demographic, knowledge, service provision and the influence of the husband on the usage of modern family planning among married Sinhalese women. These factors were further analysed among non users, temporary method users and permanent method users of modern family planning. Finding out the unmet need of the modern family planning in limiting a child birth and to identify the reasons for non usage of modern family planning were among the objectives. A community based cross sectional study was carried out in Hindagala in the district of Kandy during the months July/August 2000. A random sample of 300 married women in the reproductive age group from clusters distributed in 22 randomly selected villages in the area were studied using an interviewer administered questionnaire.

Of the respondents 61.3% were users of a modern family planning method. Most popular method was the Depot-Medroxy Progesterone Acetate (DMPA) while male sterilization was the least popular.

The usage of modern family planning showed a statistically significant association with the educational level and the socio-economic level of the respondents. The mean number of living children was lowest among the non-users. Yet, the unmet need in modern family planning for limiting a childbirth was found to be high (21.3%). Differences in knowledge between the non-users, temporary method users and permanent method users regarding Oral Contraceptive Pills, DMPA, Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) and Ligation and Resection of Tubes were statistically significant. Among all respondents, knowledge on IUCD was inadequate while knowledge on vasectomy was very poor.

Frequency of home visits by midwives had a significant bearing on the usage of modern family planning.

In 37.1% of the non-users, husbands' disapproval was one of the important reasons for non-usage of a modern family planning method. Mostly disliked method by men was the IUCD.

The findings imply the need to improve counselling on modern family planning.