Level of acceptance of IUCD insertion in Indian women - a cross-sectional mixed research from central India

Background: In India, knowledge & awareness of IUCD is inadequate. Many misconceptions are present in the society. Health care providers promote sterilization more than temporary methods or IUCD. The objective was to study the acceptance level of IUCD insertion in Indian women.Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study in the dept. of Obstertrics & Gynaecology, Chirayu Medical College & Hospital, Bhopal on 267 women, interviewing them whether they had accepted IUD in past, if yes continued how long. If no, then causes of non-acceptance found out. They were counseled for IUCD insertion at present. IUCD insertion done for those who were willing. Causes of refusal noted for those who did not accept it. Statistcal analysis of results done.Results: 113 women were users of temporary contraception, in general they used it for 178 spacings. IUCD was used for 19.10% of spacings. Out of 267, 11.98% accepted IUCD, 10.48% in past & 1.49% at present; 88% did not accept, p=0.001. Continuation was done by 2.62%. Menstrual problem was the commonest reason for discontinuation. From the total, 231 women eligible for IUCD did not accept IUCD in past. 160 eligible women refused IUCD insertion at present.The difference between temporary & permanent contraceptives was not statistically significant, p=0.82. In the acceptor group, significant difference was found in housewives & working women, p=0.02 & that between BPL card holders & nonholders, p=0.0009.Conclusion: IUCD acceptance was very poor in our study. People consult their relatives/friends more than the healthcare providers in this regard, who tend to spread misconceptions. Healthcare providers need to look into the matter seriously. Promotional activities need to be focused on IUCD