Contraceptive Practices and the Reasons for Non-Utilization of Contraceptives among Married Women in an Urban Slum

Abstract

Background: Despite the early institution of a family planning program, following its inception, Pakistan is still struggling to stabilize its fast-growing population. The objectives of the study were, to determine the contraceptive practices & related factors among married women in an urban slum and also to assess the reasons for non-utilization of contraceptives among these women. Methods: The Cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban slum, Shah di Khui, in district Lahore following approval. A total of 300 eligible married females were selected through a systematic random sampling technique. After obtaining informed consent, information was solicited using a structured pretested questionnaire in privacy. Confidentiality of participants was maintained. SPSS version 24 was used for data analysis. The chi-square test was used to determine a statistically significant relationship between independent and dependent variables. Results: It was found that 33.7% of married women were using contraceptives as compared to 66.3% of non-users. Among users, 76.2% were using Modern methods and 23.8% were using traditional methods. The duration of marriage (p =0.000), education standing of the respondent (p = 0.012) and her spouse (p = 0.003), and total number of alive children (p = 0.018) were significantly related to contraceptive usage. The main reasons for non-utilization were a desire for more children (30.2%), fear of side effects (25.1%), objection by spouse/in-laws (21.1%), and Lack of knowledge (15.6%). Conclusion: It was concluded that only 33.7% of slum dweller married women were using contraceptives. Contraceptive usage was found to be related significantly with the duration of marriage, Education status of husband and wife, and total number of living children. There is a need to make targeted efforts to address barriers and enhance uptake in this often-neglected segment of society.