Family planning practices among women seeking induced abortion: An institution-based cross-sectional study from Eastern India

INTRODUCTION: Unmet need for contraceptive use indicates the gap between women’s reproductive intentions and their contraceptive behavior. It is a direct contributor to the increased incidence of unwanted pregnancies leading to abortion. Abortions, particularly septic abortions constitute an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the pattern of family planning practices among women seeking an induced abortion. The study also aimed to assess the awareness and attitude towards contraceptive methods along with reasons for the nonuse of contraceptives in this study population. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted during October 2020 to October 2021. Data was collected using a preformed validated structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to describe data. The Chi-square test was used to find the significance of differences between categorical variables. RESULTS: A total of 256 pregnant women seeking induced abortion were recruited. Despite high knowledge (99.2%) and attitude (63.7%), a history of contraceptive use could be elicited in 43.8% of study subjects. The most common contraceptive methods used previously were oral contraceptive pills followed by the barrier method of contraception. A significant association was found between contraceptive use and age of the woman, urban or rural background, and marital status. Unplanned sex or infrequent sex was the most common reason for the nonuse of contraceptives followed by fear of side effects. CONCLUSION: Enhancement of knowledge of contraceptive users through adequate information by health care providers can be helpful. Consideration of socio-demographic characteristics of women and contraceptive barriers is indispensable in implementing family planning interventions.