Prevalence and reasons behind use of injectable contraceptive among the women of reproductive age group: A cross-sectional survey in rural areas of Nadia District, West Bengal

CONTEXT: Estimated 42 million reproductive age group women currently use injectable contraceptive, fourth most prevalent contraceptive worldwide. AIMS: To find out the prevalence, reasons and the associated factors for using injectable contraceptive among the women of reproductive age group. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A sub-centre-based observational, cross sectional survey was conducted among 212 reproductive age group women living in the rural areas of a district, West Bengal. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A multi-stage cluster random sampling technique was done considering villages as the cluster to get the required sample. Totally, 212 reproductive age group women were chosen from a total of 16 villages, selected by simple random sampling. Information regarding study variables was collected by direct interview of the respondents by visiting individual houses with help of a pre-designed, semi-structured proforma. Strict confidentiality and anonimousity were maintained throughout the study. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analysed with SPSS 22.0 (licensed). Mean, median, proportion were used for quantitative variables whereas qualitative attributes were presented by proportion. Associations between dependent and independent variables were tested by Chi-square test. RESULTS: The proportion of teenage marriage was unexpectedly high. More than half mothers were unwilling to have babies in future. One-third of study population used injectable contraceptive, ASHA was the main suggestion provider in choosing the method. The major reasons of use were discomfort in previous method and suggestion of service provider. Irregular menstrual problem and easy maintenance was the commonest cause of dissatisfaction and satisfaction, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Use of injectable contraceptive must be sincerely promoted through social marketing and the front line health workers should motivate the women to use it by providing correct information.