Abstract

Background: Increasing population is a worldwide problem particularly in developing countries like India. The extent of acceptance of contraceptive methods still varies within societies, different castes, and religious groups. Present study was done to find out prevalence of contraceptive use in married women of reproductive age in urban slum area.
Objective: a) To know the prevalence of contraceptive use in married women of reproductive age group. b) To find out reasons for not using contraceptive methods. c) To educate married women of reproductive age group to promote for use of contraceptive methods based on study observations.
Materials and Methods: A community based, cross- sectional study was conducted in an urban slum area under urban health center. Participants included 350 women of reproductive age group, selected by simple random sampling. Statistical analysis: Chi-square test for association and goodness of fit. Result: Contraceptive prevalence was found to be 58.57% in urban slum area. Tubal ligation was most common method of contraception (73.65%) followed by oral pills (14.15%), intrauterine device (6.82%), and condom (4.39%). Contraceptive use was higher between age group of 30–34 years (14.57%) followed by age group 25–29 (13.71%). Contraceptive use was higher among women having 3 or more children (24.85%). Among subjects who were not using contraceptives, most common reason was desire for more children (42.76%). Conclusion: Prevalence of use of contraceptive was low in urban slum area. Younger age of women, low socio economic class, illiteracy, no living children in the family were found to be associated with low use of contraception. Motivation of couples through media and health personnel can help to achieve positive attitude for effective use of contraceptives.