Changes in contraceptive use and method mix in India: 1992-92 to 2015-16

Contraceptive use is subject of scientific interest for its contribution to reduced fertility and improved maternal and child health in India. This study answers the changes in method mix and the influence of factors associated with contraceptive use in India during 1992-93 to 2015-16.

The study used data from all the four rounds of National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted during 1992-93 to 2015-16. Binary logistic regression was conducted in the pooled data of contraceptive users of four rounds of the survey to examine the adjusted contribution of various contraceptive methods over time. Also analysed the determinants of contraceptive use in 1992-93 and 2015-16. The pooled data of 1992-93 and 2015-16 was used to explore the change in users through creating interaction between time and predictors. STATA (V 13) was used for analyses and result was reported at 5 percent level of significance.

Female sterilization continued to dominate the contraceptive method mix, use of pills and condoms had considerably increased, and traditional method use had remained almost unchanged during 1992-93 to 2015-16. Age, education, surviving son, religion, social group, household size, region, and economic condition of the woman remained as significant determinants of contraceptive use during the study period.

Contraceptive use, method mix, the profile of the users, and determinants of contraceptive use has changed significantly during 1992-93 to 2015-16 in India. Increased use of modern spacing methods albeit continuous dominance of female sterilization in method mix suggests relooking at the family planning implementation strategy.