Attitude of women towards family planning methods and its use--study from a slum of Delhi.

BACKGROUND To predict the need of family planning methods, family planning managers often rely on unmet need derived from measure of contraceptive demand. However women's intention and her background knowledge of family planning methods not received as much attention as a measure of family planning methods demand. OBJECTIVE To know the attitude of women regarding use of family planning methods and to find out the factors that restricts its use, and the change in pattern of use over a period of one year. METHODS This was a prospective study. One (Block G) out of eight blocks was selected randomly. Using convenient sample method, families were selected starting from a point in the selected block (Block G). 40 women of childbearing age group (15- 49 years) were enrolled. All women were followed for a period of one year. RESULTS Weakness was narrated as the commonest side effect from all family planning methods. More than 70% women told that irregular menstruation from Oral Contraceptive pills and ill health from tubectomy as the other side effects. Demands for more children and for son preferences were the leading reason for not using any methods followed by afraid of side effects and health problems. There was negligible change in the use of family planning methods during the period of the study. CONCLUSION Effective family planning methods use should be advocated through adequate counseling about the correct use, side effects and their proper management and their benefit in the back ground of custom and belief.