Socio-demographic Factors affecting Female Sterilization Operation among Couples of Ahmedabad City : A Record Based Study

Abstract

Introduction: Unplanned pregnancy may be the reason of many neonatal and maternal adverse effects. Many factors have been reported to be associated with acceptance of female sterilization. Objective: To identify various socio-demographic factors affecting the decision of choice of Tubal Ligation (TL). Method: A record based study was done using data from the register maintained at the Family Planning Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology department. Analysis of data of TL operations conducted between April 2018 to March 2019 were performed. Results: A total of 675 tubal ligation operations were conducted. The mean age of females undergoing TL was 28.8 ± 3.9 years and their husbands was 33.25 ± 4.38 years. Out of the total, 484(71.1%) couples were Muslims. Total 74(10.8%) females were illiterate and 39(5.8%) males were illiterate. Among 440 (65.1%) couples who had underwent TL had 3 living children. Majority i.e. 518 (76.7%) had the age of their last living child less than 1 month. Ninety one percent of couples had at least one male child. There was a significant relationship of female education with total number of living children. Relationship of total number of living children with religion was also significant statistically. Conclusion: The study concludes that female education as well as religious and cultural beliefs plays a major role in deciding the female sterilization.