Knowledge and practice of women towards contraceptives methods in muslim of meerut city

Abstract

To find out the contraceptive prevalence amongst the Muslim population residing in urban area of Meerut District Uttar Pradesh, a community based study was conducted. Socio-demographic factors like literacy status, income, type of family, occupation etc. were collected.The main reasons for low contraceptive usage were fear of sideeffects, contraception failure, myths and beliefs such as impotency and weakness after vasectomy and religious restrictions etc. Findings from the present study suggested that intensive campaigns focusing on demystifying the prevailing myths and beliefs with active involvement of community leaders are necessary to improve the contraceptive usage among urban Muslim. Influence of religion in determining the social outcomes have long been a matter of academic interest for social scientists across the globe. Within social demography, religion is frequently cited as an important factor forming the basis of one's identity and hence being an indispensable part of the culture, religion often finds central place in the study of population dynamics. Religious differentials in fertility are, perhaps, the most debated issue in this regard. Various religious doctrines are expected to differ considerably with respect to their pro-natalist slant and acceptability of contraception.