Study on perception regarding family planning and family spacing among currently married women of reproductive age in a selected remote area of Bangladesh

DOI: https://doi.org/10.70357/jdamc.2026.v1001.04

Tarafdar MA1 , Khandakar S2 , Tarafdar MM3

Abstract

Background: Family planning (FP) and optimal family spacing are crucial for improving maternal and child healthoutcomes. Despite progress, socio-cultural barriers, misconceptions, and limited autonomy continue to influencecontraceptive use among women in rural Bangladesh. Objective: To explore perceptions and practices regarding familyplanning and family spacing among currently married women of reproductive age (CMWRA) and to identify factorsinfluencing contraceptive choice and continuation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January toJune 2021 among 480 married women aged 15–40 years with at least two children, using interviewer-administeredquestionnaires using a convenient sampling method. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were performed usingSPSS version 26. Results: The mean age of participants was 26.8 ± 4.8 years, with 73.5% aged 21–30 years. Mostwere housewives (92.7%) and nearly half (44.8%) had married before 18 years. Oral contraceptive pills were the mostcommonly used method both previously (67.3%) and currently (54.2%), followed by condoms (17.3%) and injectables(16.5%). Method choice was significantly associated with educational status (p = 0.0001). Side effects such as nausea(47.8%) and irregular bleeding (22.8%) were common reasons for discontinuation or switching. While most women(83.5%) reported no barrier to FP adoption, barriers included husband’s objection (7.3%), social opposition (5.4%),and religious beliefs (3.8%). Overcoming factors were self-motivation (63.5%), spousal support (17.7%), and healthworker advice (18.8%). Almost all respondents (97.7%) reported good availability of contraceptive methods locally.Conclusion: Educational attainment strongly influences contraceptive choice, strengthening counseling services,addressing misconceptions, and promoting female education can improve informed decision-making and sustainableFP use in rural Bangladesh.

Keywords: Family Planning, Family spacing, Contraceptive methods


  1. Professor, Department of Community Medicine and Public Health

    Diabetic Association Medical College, Faridpur

  2. Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine and Public Health

    Diabetic Association Medical College, Faridpur

  3. Phase -A Resident, Paediatric Nephrology

    Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka


Volume 10, Number 1 January 2026
Page: 15-19