Factors Associated with Reluctance to Use Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives among Rural Women in Bangladesh

Background: Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are highly effective and long-term methods of contraception that do not dependent on user compliance and are fully reversible. Bangladesh has fully experienced rapid population growth over the past century, despite significant progress in family planning programs. Although contraceptive prevalence has increased and fertility has declined, the use of long-term methods remains low. Objective: The objective of the study was to find out factors regarding reluctance to use long term contraceptive methods in a rural area. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 254 married women aged 15–49 years from selected rural areas of Muradnagar Upazila, Cumilla, from January to December 2021. Although the calculated sample size was 363, 254 eligible women were included due to resource constraints. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pretested questionnaire and analysed using appropriate statistical tests, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: Awareness of contraceptives (99.6%) and LARCs (98.0%) was high. Current contraceptive use was 53.5%, while 40.2% had previously used long-term methods; oral pills were most used (73.5%). Fear of side effects was the leading reason for non-use (58.7%). Most respondents had a moderately positive attitude (82.3%), and educational status was significantly associated with attitude (p=0.028). However, 31.5% were not involved in contraceptive decision-making. Conclusion: Despite high awareness, utilization of long-term contraceptive methods remained limited. Fear of side effects was the main reported barrier, and educational status was associated with attitude toward these methods. J Com Med Col Teachers’ Asso July 2026; 30(2): 99-102