Determinants of Modern Contraceptive Methods Use in Piple, Chitwan of Nepal

Background: Family planning contributes in preventing maternal and child mortality and empowers women. For the past ten years contraceptive prevalence rate has remained stagnant in Nepal. This study aimed at iden­tifying the use and factors associated with modern contraceptive methods in Piple, Chitwan, Nepal. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. Piple village development com­mittee was selected purposively, in which two wards were randomly se­lected. Married women of reproductive age (n=332) of each household were interviewed. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analysis were performed. Results: About half (49%) of the respondents had used a modern contra­ceptive method. Women in the age groups 25-39 years [aOR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.16 - 4.92] and 40-49 years [aOR: 4.67; 95% CI: 1.71 - 12.70] were more likely to use modern contraceptives compared to the women in the age group 15-24 years. Similarly, women having 3 or more living children [aOR: 2.98; 95% CI: 1.19 - 7.50] were more likely to use the modern contracep­tives than women with upto two children. Women whose husbands would approve of using the contraceptives [aOR: 11.33; 95% CI: 3.93-32.62] were more likely to use the methods than those who got or perceived no ap­proval from husband. Conclusions: Information and service on modern contraceptive methods should be focused to younger women. Involvement of husbands in family planning program would contribute to use of modern contraceptives by women.