Assessment of family planning practices of women of reproductive age group in rural area of West Bengal.

Introduction : The National Family Planning and Welfare Program has been in place for more than 50 years, yet the high rate of unmet family planning need remains a significant obstacle for the program. The goal is to reach all women whose reproductive behavior necessitates the use of contraception but who, for a variety of reasons, do not use it. Objectives : This study aimed to determine the prevalence of different types of contraceptive methods adopted by eligible couples (aged 15-49 years) as a method of family planning. Methods : The present descriptive, cross sectional study was carried out amongst 200 women of reproductive age group in the Sonarpur rural area of West Bengal. Participants were interviewed by the trained staff using the pre-tested questionnaire. The information about various family planning methods adopted by couple was taken. Study was carried out from August 2023 to December 2023. Statistical data were analysed by using Microsoft Excel and SPSS V.20 software. Results : A total of 200 eligible couples were interviewed. Maximum couples were in the age group of 30-34 years i.e. 44 (40%). Total 110 (55%) couples were using one or the other method of family planning. Condoms were most commonly used method by 52 (47%) couples followed by oral contraceptive pills 32 (29%). Among permanent methods of family planning, tubectomy was adopted by 8 (7%) and vasectomy only by 6 (6%) couples. No one was practising any miscellaneous method of contraception. The percentage of family planning methods used by Hindus was maximum 84 (76.4%). The highest percentage of using family planning methods was used by upper middle class (41.8%) followed by middle class (34.5%) and least by lower middle class (5.5%). Conclusions : Almost 50% of couples who qualified did not use any form of birth control. The adoption of permanent methods of contraception, particularly vasectomy, ought to be encouraged among suitable couples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]