Factors influencing acceptance of female sterilisation from private health care providers in Kerala.

This paper examines the factors which influence the utilization of sterilization services from private health care providers in Kerala a state well known for its demographic achievements and for policies promoting equitable distribution of health and educational facilities. The National Family Health Survey 1992-93 data on source of sterilization for 1662 ever-married women who had undergone female sterilization the most popular method family planning in the state as elsewhere in India was used for this study. The participation of private sector in providing sterilization services was limited as compared to their interest in delivering other health care services. In fact these services were mostly availed of by persons from higher educational and economic strata. Though quality of private sector was better than public sector it was found that a considerable proportion of women who used private sector resources were still dissatisfied with the quality of service they received even after paying for these services. (authors)