Publication:

Assessing contraceptive knowledge and usage among currently married women in Mizoram

Background Limited research on the issue of contraception in Mizoram prompted this study to assess contraceptive knowledge and usage among currently married women aged 15-49 using data from the national family health survey (NFHS).

Methods Univariate and bivariate analysis was performed using SPSS-25 to analyse the NFHS data from Mizoram, focussing on the levels and trends in contraceptive knowledge and usage among currently married women aged 15-49 in Mizoram with selected background characteristics.

Results Findings reveal a notable disparity between contraceptive knowledge (99.5%) and its actual usage (31.2%) among currently married women aged 15-49 in Mizoram. The contraceptive usage among currently married women aged 15-49 has declined from 59.9 per cent in 2005-06 to 31.2 per cent in 2019-21. Modern contraceptive methods are preferred over traditional ones, with female sterilisation being the most common method. Male sterilisation (vasectomy) is almost non-existent. District-level disparities exist, with the Aizawl district at 21.6 per cent and the Champhai district at 50 per cent contraceptive usage, according to NFHS-5 (2019-21). Factors influencing contraceptive usage include place of residence, educational level, and number of children. Unmet needs for contraception decreased between 2015-16 and 2019-21.

Conclusions The study highlights the urgent need for interventions to bridge the gap between contraceptive knowledge and usage among currently married women aged 15-49 in Mizoram. Efforts should focus on promoting modern contraceptive methods addressing district-level disparities. Additionally, initiatives to reduce unmet needs, particularly for spacing methods, are crucial for improving contraceptive usage among currently married women aged 15-49 in Mizoram.