Knowledge and Practice of Family Planning Among Pregnant Tribal Women in Southern India: An Observational Study

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND: A decrease in fertility and optimal birth spacing can reduce the risk of infant and maternal mortality. While fertility rates have decreased dramatically in India since the implementation of the national fertility program, fertility remains high among indigenous communities in rural India. This paper examines the determinants of contraceptive knowledge and practice by type (temporary or permanent) among tribal women in rural southern India. METHODS: A cross sectional survey in Kannada was conducted of 303 married, pregnant tribal women in Mysore, India after obtaining informed consent. Univariate and multivariable analyses were carried out to determine the demographic and psychosocial factors associated with knowledge of contraceptive methods using Stata 14.0. RESULTS: There was widespread knowledge about female sterilization, while only 39.3% of women reported hearing about one or more forms of temporary contraception, and 36.3% knew where to get them. The largest number of women had heard about copper-Ts (33.0%), followed by oral contraceptive pills (23.8%), condoms (11.9%), and injectables (4.6%). Only 2.7% of women reported ever using any form of temporary contraception. Results from the multivariable logistic regression indicated that knowledge of at least one form of temporary contraception was linked to higher age (AOR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.17), greater number of years of marriage (AOR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.96), and last birth in a government facility (AOR: 3.67; 95% CI: 1.99, 6.82). CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed poor knowledge and utilization of temporary contraceptive methods among a tribal population in rural Mysore, India. Interventions aiming to increase knowledge of contraceptive options are important for birth spacing in this population and should target younger women and those without contact with government health facilities.