Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2021-6
Understanding the Fertility Behavior of Bengali-speaking Hindu and Hindi-speaking Hindu Populations Occupying Similar Urban Locale of Kolkata,West Bengal: A Snapshot Regarding Family Planning Decision-making Process
This study was conducted to understand the fertility behavior between the two population groups speaking different languages: Bengali-speaking Hindus and Hindi-speaking Hindus. The study further attempts to study the perception and practice regarding contraception use and their decision-making ability. The present study was conducted in Kolkata, West Bengal. A total of 64 women (Bengali-speaking Hindus: 34 and Hindi-speaking Hindus: 30) ranging between 15 years and 44 years were chosen by convenience sampling method. Semi-structured interview schedule was employed to record the response of the participants. Sociodemographic profile of the participants and of their husbands and fertility history were collected using structured interview. Open-ended questions were asked to the participants to understand their perception about family planning. Case studies were also taken from each participant to know about their decision-making process of family planning. Descriptive statistic was carried out to analyze quantitative data, and for qualitative data, thematic analysis was carried out manually. Mean age of the participants was 33.1 years and that of their husbands was 40.2 years. Age at marriage was low in both the groups. Source of knowledge on contraceptives was mostly husband in both the populations. The husband (100%) played a dominant role in decision-making in both the groups. The role of in-laws played a dominant role in decision-making among the Hindi-speaking population. Withdrawal method was a common method of contraceptives in both the groups.
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