Unmet Need for Family Planning and Associated Factors Among Married Women of Reproductive Age in Siranchowk Rural Municipality, Nepal: A Cross-Sectional Study

Rajesh  Karki; Mausam  Adhikari; Roshani  Poudel; Maheshor  Kaphle

doi:10.18502/jbe.v11i3.21367

Rajesh Karki Central Department of Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Mausam Adhikari Department of Public Health, Yeti Health Science Academy, Purbanchal University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Roshani Poudel Central Department of Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Maheshor Kaphle Department of Public Health, People’s Dental College and Hospital, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jbe.v11i3.21367

Keywords: Family planning; Reproductive health; Unmet need; Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: The unmet need for family planning remains a hurdle to reproductive health equity despite, global effortsto improve access, including in Nepal. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of unmet needs for family planning andassociated factors among rural women in Nepal.

Methods: In 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted among married women of reproductive age in a rural municipalityin Gandaki Province, Nepal. We recruited 310 participants using consecutive sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire developed from previous literature, validated by experts, and pretested.Descriptive analysis was conducted for categorical variables, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed toidentify factors associated with unmet needs.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 28.5 ± 5.75 years (range: 17–45 years), and the mean age at marriagewas 21.07 ± 3.32 years (range: 14–34 years). More than 80% of the respondents reported having good family planningknowledge, with healthcare workers being the primary source of information (74.8%). The unmet need for family planningwas 18.1% (spacing: 16.5%; limiting: 1.6%). The odds of unmet need were higher in Dalit women (AOR 6.66, 95% CI:1.98–22.40) and women without children (AOR 2.78, 95% CI 1.09–7.13). Conversely, women with a basic education orbelow (AOR 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03–0.71) and those with husbands who are engaged in business (AOR 0.32, 95% CI 0.12–0.83)had lower odds.

Conclusion: This study highlights the significant unmet need for family planning among rural women in Nepal, particularlyamong adolescents, Dalit women, and those without children. Therefore, targeted interventions are required to addressthese disparities. Continued efforts should focus on improving family planning access in the study area and similar ruralsettings, although the findings may not be generalizable to the entire country.