Contraceptive behavior in rural Uttar Pradesh is characterized by low modern method prevalence (19%), high unmet need (30%), and predominance of sterilization in the method mix (71% of modern use). Wide disparities exist in method-specific awareness, source awareness, and use. While 93% of women report awareness of female sterilization, only 49% to 62% are aware of IUDs, pills, or condoms. Of those who are aware of reversible contraception, just over 1 of every 3 can identify a possible source of supply for that method. And of the small proportion that can identify a reversible method source, only 1% to 2% use a reversible method (NFHS, 1994). If women are aware that reversible methods exist, do they lack knowledge of supply sources for these methods because they do not exist or because features of these sites make them unacceptable or unrealistic sources of supply? This study explores the relationship between the objective supply conditions at public, rural Subcenters in Uttar Pradesh and the accuracy of women’s perceptions regarding the availability of reversible methods at these sites. Disparities in perception accuracy by key social and demographic characteristics will also be explored. Data from the 1995 PERFORM Survey are used to test hypothesized relationships between Subcenter features and perception accuracy. The sample consists of linked data from 21,000 women and 1,100 Subcenters and villages. Linked data permits control of contraceptive service conditions, as well as individual, household, and community factors associated with motivation to learn about and use contraception.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the session participant will be able to: (1)Describe the key Subcenter characteristics, which are associated with the accuracy of women’s family planning availability perceptions in rural Uttar Pradesh. (2) Recognize the value to both policy and planning, of using linked individual, facility, and community data to study the effect of health service supply on health behavior and outcomes. (3) Discuss the mediating role that perceived availability plays in the relationship between objective contraceptive availability and contraceptive use
Keywords: Rural Health Care Delivery System, International Family Planning
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Government of India Family Welfare Program
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.