A Comparative Study To Assess The Association Between Women Empowerment And Preferred Choice Of Contraceptive Methods Among Women Residing In Selected Urban And Rural Areas Of Bhopal Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Introduction:-Improvement of health, social, economic and political status of women is important for the development of any country which can be attained by empowering them. The principle of gender equality is not only enshrined in the Indian Constitution but also a global agenda under Sustainable Developmental Goals set by United Nations General Assembly. Statement of the Problem: A comparative study to assess the association between women empowerment and preferred choice of contraceptive methods among women residing in selected urban and rural areas of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh newlineMethodology: Non experimental comparative descriptive study design was used to compare the women empowerment and preferred choice of contraceptive methods among women residing in selected urban and rural areas of Bhopal. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select the 1000(urban =500, rural 500) women. Self -Structured Interview schedule (SIS) and standardized WE- MEASR tool was used to collect the data. Collected data was analyzed using frequency and percentage, chi square (and#967;2), Fisher exact test (F-test) and t test to compare and find out the association of women empowerment with socio demographic variables and preferred choice of contraceptive methods . newlineResults Results of the study revealed that the majority of the women 240(48%), 248(49.6%) belonged to age group of 25-34 years in urban and rural areas. 334 (66.8%) couple had joint decision whereas 234(46.8%) husbands alone decided to use contraceptive in urban and rural areas both. newlineMost preferred choice of contraceptive methods were male condom and pills in both the urban and rural areas. newlineAssociation between various aspects of women empowerment and socio demographic variables revealed, present age of women, husband age at the time of marriage ,duration of marriage were significantly associated both in the urban and rural areas.