A STUDY ON FACTORS INFLUENCING CONTRACEPTIVE CHOICES AMONG POST-PARTUM WOMEN IN A TERTIARY HEALTH CENTRE, TIRUPATI

Objective: There is an unmet need for family planning among postpartum women in developing countries. Reasons for urban-rural disparity in family planning use are not much known. This study aims to study factors influencing contraceptive choice in postpartum women, reasons for rural and urban disparity and psychosocial and environmental dimensions to the contraceptive process. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in department of obstetrics and gynecology for a period of six months by using a standardized questionnaire. All women who delivered live baby were included in the study. Results: Among 300 study participants, 158 were from rural areas and 142 were from urban areas. Prior usage of contraceptives was noted in 54.6%. Majority of participants (80.6%) were willing to use a contraceptive method after counseling. The most commonly accepted methods of contraception were condoms and female sterilization. The most cited reason for choice of contraceptive was convenience. Conclusion: There was a high intent among postpartum women to use a contraceptive method. However, there is still a portion of women, mostly belonging to rural areas that are unaware and unwilling to use contraception.