Bridging the unmet need in contraceptive practice with natural methods: a study from Kolkata, India

Background: Unmet need for contraceptive is a hurdle in the way to achieve the goal of family planning in India. The present study was conducted to describe the socio-demographic characteristics, ascertain the knowledge-practice regarding contraceptives including natural methods and to assess the unmet need for contraceptives.Methods: In a cross-sectional design, 326 women were recruited (19-40 years) among mothers coming for immunization of their babies in the immunization clinic of RGKar Medical College, Kolkata, India. Considering response of wife as a proxy for the couple‘s contraceptive behaviour, only married fecund women were approached. A pre-tested questionnaire was dispensed. The study was conducted from April till June, 2010.Results: Contraceptive knowledge was universal and the practice was 92%. Natural/traditional methods were known to 80% and being used by a substantial number of participants (41%). Of all the methods coitus interrupts (22%) ranked on the top closely followed by condom (20%). Knowledge and overall practice of permanent methods were low (20%) and 3% participants knew about tubectomy and vasectomy while, only 13.5% adopted tubectomy. Overall, the unmet need for contraceptive was found to be 7% considering the use of all methods; 5% for spacing and 2% for limiting birth.Conclusion: Closing the gap between contraceptive need and practice requires increase in contraceptive options by incorporation of natural and traditional contraceptive methods which are safe and simple and should be promoted by healthcare providers.