Uptake of Modern Contraceptives in Pakistan remains low despite a high national need. The country's fertility rate is still above replacement level, contributing to rapid population growth. Several barriers exist to the use of contraceptives, which include social stigma, side effects, preference for larger families, conflict with religious beliefs, and refusal from the spouse. Increasing access to family planning resources and addressing social misconceptions are crucial steps to improve contraceptive uptake in Pakistan.
Unveiling Barriers to the Modern Contraceptive Uptake in the Urban Slums of Karachi: Perceptions, Attitude, and Accessibility
Findings
The majority of the respondents identified as Pathan ethnicity (49%), and the age range was predominantly from 23 to 34 years (45.5%). A high proportion of participants demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of contraceptives (87.6%). However, a significant portion perceived contraception or family planning to be in conflict with religious beliefs (84%). Many women expressed a desire for more children (56%) and had concerns about contraceptive side effects (78%). A notable proportion of women reported that their spouses forbade the use of contraceptives (12%). Among the surveyed population, the most widely used contraceptives were injections among women (15.5%) and condoms among their male partners (12%).
