Barriers to Satisfy Unmet Needs for Family Planning among married women of Reproductive Age in a rural community of Nepal: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Abstract:
Introduction: Rising population is a major concern in developing countries like Nepal. Family planning
methods are available for controlling the choice of reproduction but their use is limited to certain
women. The percentage of women of reproductive age who want to stop or delay childbearing but are
not using any method of contraception is known as the Unmet need for family planning. Objectives:
To understand why married women are not using family planning methods in Nepal. Methods: Three
focus group discussions were conducted in three communities (Muslim, Musahar, and Mixed) of
Gadhi municipality in Nepal on 24 women. Notes and audio recordings in the Nepali language were
recorded and then transcribed into English to facilitate the analysis. The thematic analysis technique
was used for data analysis, focusing on identifying recurring ideas, patterns, and concepts that
naturally emerged from participant's discussions with imposing predetermined categories. Results: The
participants in all three communities knew what family planning meant and why it was necessary.
They were also aware of the common family planning methods. However, reluctance to discuss
condoms due to shyness, and not involving males in field visits. Conclusion: There was a high unmet
need for family planning among married women of the Gadhi rural municipality of Nepal which
sheds light on the importance of family planning. The study highlighted the knowledge and
attitude regarding family planning methods, the role of female community health volunteers in family
planning, and challenges accessing health services. Additionally, it highlights the in-depth reasons for
not using the family planning method, which leads to unmet needs.