Abstract

PIP: This report summarizes the findings of a study designed to identify the reasons for non-use of family planning among Nepalese women who want to space or limit childbirth. The study's initial phase involved focus group sessions of women with unmet need for family planning who were asked their reasons for non-use. Researchers used this information to develop an in-depth questionnaire. Researchers then randomly selected a total sample of 5,152 women. After interviewing the women, researchers concluded that 31.6% the sample had unmet need for family planning. Consequently, researchers administered the questionnaire to the unmet demand population, which was almost equally divided among women who want to either spacing or limit childbirth. The study analyzes both reasons for the general non-use of contraception and reasons for the non-use of specific contraceptive methods (oral contraceptives, laparoscopy, and vasectomy). Although varying among the different contraceptive methods, the most commonly cited reasons were: 1) causes headache, weakness, nausea; 2) causes weight loss; 3) causes heavy bleeding; 4) insufficient money for nutritious foods; 5) causes weakness and cannot work; 6) currently in poor health; 7) husband disapproves; and 8) affects breastfeeding and dries breast-milk. Explaining the benefits of the study, the report indicates that the information can be incorporated into the training curriculum of health workers, and can be used to target information, education, and communication campaigns. Furthermore, evident in the responses that cite lack of nutritious foods and weakness, the study reveals that nutrition and food supplement programs could help increase contraceptive use.