Publication:

Health care providers’ perspectives about modern contraceptive use among eligible couples in a tribal area of Palghar district, Maharashtra: a qualitative study

The exploration of healthcare providers’ perspectives, attitudes, and practices towards modern contraceptives is essential to address the unmet need for the use of modern contraceptive methods. The present qualitative study involved in-depth interviews (IDIs) with participants, conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study was conducted in the subcentres of Ashagad PHC, Palghar District, Maharashtra, India. 17 health care workers (3 CHOs, 5 ANMs, and 9 ASHAs) participated in the study. Participants were selected by the purposive sampling method. Data were analysed using deductive thematic analysis. The findings showed that condoms and oral contraceptive pills were the most commonly preferred contraceptives by eligible couples. Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD) and injectables were less opted for due to fear of side effects & misconception that it affects fertility. The healthcare workers perceived difficulties while promoting contraceptives, which included illiteracy, influence of community members and quacks, use of jungle herbs as contraceptives, and fear about contraceptives among eligible couples. The health care workers also enumerated facilitating factors at the community level, such as street plays, counselling sessions at community level camps, use of effective IEC materials at Ashram schools. Fostering sustained behaviour change in community members appropriate to local needs and using a culturally sensitive approach will greatly enhance acceptance of family planning services among eligible couples in the tribal area.