Publication:

A study on prevalence of contraceptive use and its determinants among eligible couples in urban slums of Gorakhpur district

Background As the urban slum population is increasing rapidly and have higher rate of illness than non-slum areas of the same city. Root of most of the health related problems are due to population which can be best controlled by family planning. The aims and objectives of the study were to know the prevalence of use of contraceptive methods and determinant of contraceptive use among couples in urban slums of Gorakhpur.

Methods A cross­ sectional study was conducted from September 2013-August 2014 in urban slums of District Gorakhpur. WHO 30 cluster sampling method was applied.

Results 145 (67.4%) of all eligible couple had ever used a contraceptive method. About one third of females (28.9%) had undergone Permanent sterilization followed by Condom (21.3%) use. About (15.0%) DMPA and IUCD were used in about equal in proportion. OCPs were used only by (12.4%) females. On the basis of caste, SC/ST showed highest ever use of contraception.

Conclusions Among the males 92.1% males and 89.8% females had the knowledge about contraceptives to be used. Prevalence of currently using contraceptives is 44.6%. About one third of females (28.9%) had undergone permanent sterilization followed by condom (21.3%) use. About (15.0%) DMPA and IUCD were used in about equal in proportion. OCPs were used only by (12.4%) females. Emergency contraceptives least used. No vasectomy done. About 10% lack of knowledge of contraception and a huge gap between knowledge and practice. So some educational programmes and motivational programmes must run in our community.