Determinants of intrauterine device acceptance among married women in coastal Karnataka, India

Introduction: Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) are the most effective long term, temporary method of contraception which have many benefits such as low cost, minimal side effects, etc. Despite this, IUD use is not prevalent in India; though, the expanding population stresses the dire need for effective contraceptive use. Aim: To determine the reasons for acceptance and use of IUDs among the women and the side effects experienced by them, to utilise this information to further increase the rate of acceptance of IUDs. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was done in three health care facilities: a Government Maternity Hospital, a private tertiary care hospital and a Community Health Centre (CHC), associated with Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Before conducting the study, ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) of KMC, Mangalore. Participant information sheets and informed consent forms were distributed. We studied 110 married women who had IUDs inserted. Demographic details, source of information, factors motivating IUD use, reasons for use of IUDs and side effects were assessed using a questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 26.65±4.0. 77% were Hindus, 99.1% of the participants were literate and 86.4% were housewives. Only 2.7% of the husbands were illiterate and 53.6% were employed in semiskilled professions. Almost 91% of the husbands and 82% of the families were favourable towards the use of contraceptives. For 89% of the participants, the health care provider served as a chief source of information about IUDs. Out of all the participants, 68.2% were using IUDs for child spacing and 29.1% were using it for prevention of pregnancy. Around 36% of the women experienced side effects due to IUD use, out of which 61.5% complained of vaginal bleed. Conclusion: IUDs are being accepted in our society. Benefits of use outweigh the risk involved. Health care providers play an effective role in promoting IUD use in society.