Differentials in Sterilization and Modern Spacing Methods of Contraception in India: An Equity Analysis Based on the National Family Health Survey

Sanjay Pal, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Chander Shekhar, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

Contraceptive choice is a crucial aspect of quality care in family planning services and a fundamental aspect of women's reproductive rights. This study examines the equity in sterilization (STM) and spacing methods (SM) across social and economic factors in India. The study utilized the first to fifth rounds of the National Family Health Survey, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey. Descriptive analysis has been used to assess the level and differentials of contraceptive use. Concentration index and equity score have been employed to analyze inequity. Furthermore, decomposition analysis has been used to find the contributing factors for SM and STM. The findings of this study suggest that STM is more equitable than SM in India. Findings indicate that secondary/higher educated women residing in urban areas, Sikh and Muslim, and rich wealth status were more equitable in using SM. Women living in the southern region, married <17 years, up to primary education, Hindu, OBCs, and having >2 children were more equitable in STM. The decomposition findings predicted that all the above factors contributed to the equitable use of SM and STM. The study suggests that countries should prioritize equity in access to services and contraceptives to boost modern method usage.

Keywords: Family Planning and Contraception, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination, Decomposition analysis, Data and Methods

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