Assessment of the cause of unmet need of contraception among married women of reproductive age group in rural Mizoram

Background: Despite being the first country to initiate a family planning program, the utilization of the services is still very poor, and the burden of unwanted pregnancy is still high in India. Although the National Family Health Survey has been collecting data regarding the rate of unmet need for contraception, there are very few studies regarding the factors affecting it. Aims and Objectives: The study aims to determine the prevalence of contraceptive use, to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of contraception, to assess the unmet need of family planning, and to evaluate the factors determining unmet need among married women in the reproductive age group. Materials and Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine, Zoram Medical College and Hospital, using a pre-designed, pre-tested questionnaire among 402 married women. Results: The prevalence of contraceptive use was 59%, out of which the oral contraceptive pill was the most common (64.13%), followed by the intrauterine contraceptive device (14.35%). The felt need for contraception was 69.7%, whereas the unmet need was 18.9%. Type of family (P=0.046), gender of last child (P=0.036), discussion with partner (P<0.001), and attitude about benefits to the family (P=0.014) were significantly associated with unmet need. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of improving the quality of contraceptive knowledge and emphasizing the benefits for the family. Overcoming sociocultural barriers by extension of contraceptive education to family members, promoting spousal communication, and couple counseling is likely to improve contraceptive uptake.