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  • Title: India: sterilization is common; women know little about other methods.
    Journal: Prog Hum Reprod Res; 1991; (18):2-3. PubMed ID: 12284507.
    Abstract:
    Results and policy recommendations are reported from a recent study of contraceptive use dynamics among 4000 women in 50 villages of Karnataka, India. The study also included a 4-village anthropological component and provider observation, and specifically sought determinant factors of contraceptive use, non-use, method choice, and use patterns. The most common reason for non-use of contraceptives was the desire to have more children, followed by fear of side-effects, lack of knowledge, and familial opposition. Among users, almost 90% chose sterilization. 86% of respondents interested in future contraceptive control also chosen sterilization. Of concern, however, was the finding that a very high percentage of already sterilized women had little or no knowledge of other contraceptive methods. Overall, a strong desire for future contraceptive practice methods. Overall, a strong desire for future contraceptive practice was observed among women in the study. Most all respondents knew about sterilization, while only 60%, 42%, and 18% knew of the IUD, pill, and condom, respectively. Moreover, only few women were able to correctly describe the workings of these methods. Doctors, health workers, neighbors, relatives, and radio and television were finally cited as important sources of family planning information. The paper, therefore, urges greater emphasis of alternative family planning program. Health services and the mass media should be engaged in promoting these alternative methods, with efforts also made to allay illfound fears of method use and side effects. On a more broad scale, greater education and economic advancement will help to change attitudes and norms of birth spacing and family size.
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