ASSESS THE AGE AT CHILDBIRTH, BIRTH SPACING, AND FAMILY PLANNING METHODS ADOPTED BY WOMEN

Age at childbirth, birth spacing, and family planning methods significantly influence maternal and child health. Objectives: To assess the age at childbirth, birth spacing, and family planning methods adopted by women and to associate the family planning methods used after marriage and after birth with demographic variables. Materials and Methods: The descriptive analytical study was conducted among 140 married women from urban slums in Kannagi Nagar and Neelangarai, Chennai, using purposive sampling. Responses were obtained through a structured interview schedule. Analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25 employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: The majority of the respondents were between 20 and 25 years of age (32.1%, n=45). Most were identified as Hindus (65%, n=91), and a substantial portion were engaged as daily wage laborers (42.1%, n=59). The majority (88.6%, n=124) did not use contraception before childbirth, but primarily IUDs used were (37.1%, n=52). Family planning use after marriage and childbirth showed the significant associations with age, occupation, duration of marriage, type of marriage, and number of children at (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study underscores a clear need for targeted reproductive health education and accessible family planning services.