Awareness and use of family planning methods among the reproductive age group of Bodo women in North Guwahati, Assam, India

Abstract

India varies greatly not just in geography but also in economy, culture, tradition, and attitudes. It is, therefore, important to identify which cultural factors influence the acceptance of family planning methods (FPM) in specific communities and how. The present paper is an attempt to understand the awareness and use of family planning methods among the Bodo women belonging to the reproductive age group in the North Guwahati area. Additionally, the study seeks to determine how socioeconomic and reproductive factors affect the adoption or non-use of FPM.

A cross-sectional study was done among the reproductive age groups of Bodo women in the North Guwahati area of the Kamrup rural district in Assam. The sample size was 303. The data were collected with the help of a structured schedule.

The majority of women are aware of family planning methods. The share of women who use FPM is higher than that of non-users. Among the different types of FPM used, the permanent method (tubectomy) is highly accepted by them, and among the temporary methods, the male condom is the most common. The main reason for the adoption of FPM is to limit family size. The main reason for the non-adaption of FPM is a desire to have more children.

The findings showed that age, income, and parity were significantly associated with the use of family planning methods. The higher the age, the higher the use of FPM. Women from high-income families were found to use FPM more often. On the other hand, women with no children or a single child were found not to use FPM.