Women’s Status and Fertility Behaviour in Damoh District, Madhya Pradesh: Investigating Micro-Spatial Effects through Mixed Method Approach

Hemant Patidar, Dr. Harisingh Gour University
Rahul Mishra, Research scholar

This cross-sectional study examined the micro-spatial effects of women’s status on fertility behaviour in Damoh District (MP) in Central India. A samples of 680 women of 15-49 years of age was drawn from seven rural and one urban primary sampling units considering factors viz. distance from Damoh city (isochronous zones), social category, and female literacy. Further, in-depth interviews with 24 women were made to understand the qualitative aspects. Multiple linear regression analysis highlighted that women’s age at marriage, educational attainment, their husband’s education, women’s autonomy, mass media exposure, having high social interaction with others, and contraceptive use were significantly and negatively associated with fertility outcomes. Fertility was also found to be decreasing with increasing distance from the city due to the differential level of exposure, accessibility and opportunities in women’s reproductive choices and the healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, qualitative analysis revealed that desire to having a male child, the decisions of in-laws and husband, and unavailability of contraceptives were the major influences to women’s fertility choices. Apt policy intervention targeting women in different micro-spatial and sociodemographic contexts are anticipated to reduce fertility and enhance women’s reproductive autonomy.

Keywords: Fertility, Mixed methods research, Spatial Demography, Family Planning and Contraception

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