The Influence of Couple and Contextual Characteristics on Current Contraceptive Use in Two States in India

Sagri Singh, Johns Hopkins University
Laurie Zabin, Johns Hopkins University

The importance of surveys with couples to understand the links between reproductive intentions and behaviors is highlighted increasingly in the literature. Data from India are used to explore the influence of couples and contextual characteristics on current contraceptive use. Given the south Asian context, where husbands have more influence on fertility decisions than their wives, analysis using couple level factors is conducted to better understand contraceptive use dynamics. Two-by-two tables and logistic regression are used to explore these complex relationships in 986 currently married couples. The results indicate that a couple's education level mediates the influence of religion on current contraceptive use in this setting. Couples generally agree on their level of discussion on reproductive issues. Fertility desire, discussion between spouses and district of residence are significant predictors of contraceptive use. The findings provide an understanding of how couple characteristics and their level of communication influence contraceptive use in Asia.