Dynamics of contraceptive use in a rural community of Haryana.

A cross-sectional survey was carried out to study the dynamics of contraceptive use in three villages of Raipur Rani block in district Panchkula, Haryana. A female social worker interviewed 600 ever-married women aged 15-44 years using a semi-structured interview schedule. More than 75% of the respondents were aware about modern contraceptives. Fifty-nine percent of the couples had used contraceptives. Among the 351 ever-users, the first contraceptive method used was sterilization in 41.3%, condom in 35.6%, IUD in 17.9%, and oral pills in 5.1%. Subsequently, many of them either discontinued or shifted to other methods. At the time of survey, 236 (39.3%) were using a contraceptive. Most of the current users (225) had opted for tubectomy, and only a few (4) had accepted vasectomy. Supplies of contraceptives were obtained mainly from government hospitals and sub-health centres. Common reasons for discontinuation were perceived untoward effects (37.1%), desire for more children (32.6%), and failure of the contraceptive method (19.0%). Most of the respondents obtained contraceptives from Government health posts. Counselling and follow-up services should should be strengthened so that contraceptives are used regularly and effectively for longer periods.