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Traditional Methods Use and Pregnancy Termination in India
Authors: Kiran Agrahari, and Sanjay K. Mohanty
Source: Social Science Spectrum, 1(3): 194-205
Topic(s): Contraception
Unintended pregnancy
Country: Asia
  India
Published: SEP 2015
Abstract: In contrast to the global trends, India has witnessed a significant increase in use of the traditional methods among married women. The increasing use of traditional method is associated with higher pregnancy termination and unintended birth. This paper examines the extent of contraceptive failure among traditional and modern spacing method users by socio-economic characteristics in India. The 60 month calendar data of National Family Health Survey 3, 2005-06 is used in the analyses. Bi-variate, single decrement life table and logistic regression model are used to understand the differentials and determinants of births, pregnancy and termination among contraceptive users. The study suggests that 64 per cent of pregnancy terminations are resulting from method failure compared with 36 per cent among modern method users. By the end of 36 months, the probability of discontinuation due to method failure was 0.23 among traditional methods users compared with 0.08 among modern spacing method users. In the absence of method failure, the total fertility rate (TFR) in India would have been 8 per cent lower than the observed TFR, while it would have been lower by 14 per cent in populous state of Uttar Pradesh. Controlling for socioeconomic and demographic correlates, the risk of pregnancy among traditional methods users is almost 3 times higher (CI: 2.56, 3.32) than that of modern spacing method users. Based on these findings it is suggested that the family planning programme needs to focus on motivating the traditional methods users to practice modern method to avert pregnancies.