Birth Spacing: Women’s Knowledge, Methods Adopted and Barriers - A study from Urban Tamil Nadu
Journal Title: National Journal of Research in Community Medicine - Year 2017, Vol 6, Issue 2
Abstract
Back ground: WHO recommends a spacing of 2 to 3 years between births as it reduces the risk of infant and child mortality and maternal morbidity. Recent data shows that adoption of temporary methods are very low and discontinuation rates are high. This study explores women’s knowledge on birth spacing, reasons for poor adoption of temporary contraceptives and barriers in using it. Materials and methods: It is a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary maternity hospital with 270 women who had delivered their second, third and above child were interviewed using a questionnaire. Results: Among all 39% had a birth interval <2years between 1 st and 2 nd child. Almost 60% of women knew that a birth interval of three years is required, for improving the health of the mother and for taking care of the previous child. Copper-T (95.2%)and Oral Pills (24.8%) were known, yet not preferred because of the side effects (65%) and condoms known (38%), but not preferred mainly because of poor spousal support(40%). The other methods were least known. Abortion was also considered as a method of contraception (5.2%). Doctors were the main source of information about temporary methods of contraception (73.3%). Forty three percent had adopted temporary contraceptives of which 66% had used Copper-T and 28% condoms, however discontinuation rates within 3years was 90%. Low perceived risk of pregnancy (53%), inadequate knowledge and fear of side effects of the contraceptive (27%), abortion as an option in case of conception (6%) and lack of spousal support (14%) were reasons for not adopting contraceptives. Conclusion: Knowledge on birth spacing is high yet observed birth interval was less. Wide knowledge-preference-practice gap in use of temporary contraceptives exists. Health-care providers should educate couples on the process of conception, need for spacing births, risks of induced abortions and promote use of temporary contraceptives giving various options.
Authors and Affiliations
Jayanthi TP, Abishek B.
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