Understanding factors influencing decision-making process in contraceptive uptake among Pakistani women

Pakistan is the sixth most populous country in the world, with about 180 million people and an annual growth rate of 2.1%. The statistics show that the population will increase, as by 2025 the population estimated is 229.6 million people (Population reference bureau 2012). This increase may be possible, as there are many factors influencing the fertility and birth rate. For example, the social set-up of unequal power relation, the gender issue and the traditional scenario of Pakistani society, along with the high desire of large family size makes it difficult for women to adopt contraceptive methods, as many of the women do not seem to have the decision right. Therefore, this study found it relevant to explore some of the factors influencing the decision-making process in contraceptive uptake by interviewing Pakistani women from Lahore, the second largest city in the country. By using a qualitative approach, with individual interviews conducted, the analysis showed that factors such as the husbands pressure, the socio-cultural influences, the lack of autonomy rights among women, the role of mother in law as well as rural/urban and economic differences mpact on the decision making process on contraception. The finding suggests that there is a need to address some of the factors, such as educating/empowering women and raising awareness on contraception, as some women declared that they never heard about it. More recommendations will be presented in the conclusion chapter of the study.msc_sjdhunpub1445_ethesesunpu