Study of Unmet Need for Family Planning Among Married Women of Reproductive Age Attending Immunization Clinic in a Medical College of Calcutta

Research question: What is the extent and reasons of unmet need for family planning among urban mothers of reproductive age attending immunisation clinic of a Medical College Hospital and its association with some demographic and social factors? Objectives: 1. To find out the extent of unmet need among mothers of reproductive age. 2. To identify the demographic and social factors influencing unmet need. 3. To find out the possible reasons of unmet need. Setting: Immunisation clinic of Calcutta National Medical College (Department of Community Medicine) Study design: Cross-sectional study. Sample size: 20% sample of all mothers attending the immunisation clinic for a period of 6 months by systematic random sampling method. Study variables: Age parity literacy lack of information unsatisfactory service etc. Results: The extent of unmet need among married women of reproductive age was 23.1%. Majority of the mothers belonged to the age group 21-30 years (53.5%) had 2 or more children (92%) and were illiterate (49.5%). The main reasons for unmet need were lack of information (26%) health concerns and side effects (25.25%) inconvenient and unsatisfactory service (27.50%) and opposition from husband etc. (12%). Conclusion: Improving the quality of service and access to convenient methods improving communication and focussing on men as well as women will reduce unmet need. (authors)