Regional variations in use and non-use of contraceptives in Rajasthan.

The best option to check population gro~th is by lowering the fertility levels. Contraceptive use as a proximate determinant of fertility plays an important role in reducing fertility; and at times contraceptive prevalence has been used to evaluate the effect of family planning programmes. In 2000 the heads from 189 countries endorsed the Millennium Declaration where universal access to contraceptive methods was reemphasized as the cost-effective way of reducing maternal mortality. Family planning research and policy have efficiently reoriented the choice of avoiding pregnancy along with convenient and informed access to contraceptive methods to control fertilty especially unwanted/unintended or mistimed pregnancy and to attain the desired family size. Rajasthan is one of the largest states by area in India with a high population growth rate. There are 32 districts and four regions in Rajasthan and the acceptance of different contraceptive methods varies in each district and region and also among different caste and religious groups. The possible reasons for the lower acceptance include cultural background attitude towards family planning meagre knowledge of family planning methods the lack of accessibility and availability of services and the prevalence of traditional methods of birth control. In view of these variations in Rajasthan it is imperative to examine the reason for not using contraception among currently married women of reproductive age group reason for discontinuing the contraceptive method and factors associated with the future intention to use contraceptives and associated regional variations.