A profile of acceptors of non-scalpel vasectomy.

The aim was to determine the socioeconomic characteristics of acceptors of the nonscalpel approach with a view to constructing an acceptor profile of this new technique for popularizing it. The study was carried out at the Family Welfare Center (Male) of the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Nagar Hospital New Delhi during March 1992 (when the nonscalpel vasectomy procedure was introduced at the Center) to March 1993 when 1000 persons had availed of it. Acceptors 30-34 years old comprised 32.6% and 81.5% were 25-39 years old. The mean age of the acceptors was 33.5 years. The mean number of living children was 2.8. The acceptors of the nonscalpel approach had fewer children: 42.5% had 1-2 children. 11.3% of the acceptors were illiterate as compared to 15.2% in the national surgical vasectomy program. The nonscalpel procedure attracted more educated men: those with high school and college education constituted 62.5% as compared to 46% in the national program. 63% of the acceptors came from families with a monthly income of Rs.1000-3000; and 36.7% earned Rs. 1000-2000. 91.6% of the acceptors were Hindu (Muslims accounted for 5.2%; Sikhs: 2.8% and Christians: 0.4%) and 86.6% came from urban areas. The mean number of living children of the acceptors (2.8) is less than the national mean of 3.5 which suggests that the new procedure would be accepted by those who opt for small families. That Muslims made up only 5.2% of the cases despite the hospitals location near major Muslim centers suggests better IEC coverage is needed both through the media and by field worker contact. Nonscalpel vasectomy seems to be a rapid and economical alternative to standard vasectomy with increased patient acceptability if properly promoted.