Contraception for married adolescents (15–19 years) in India: insights from the National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4)

Abstract

Plain language summary Complications related to early pregnancies and childbirth are a leading cause of death among adolescent girls. Still, a considerable number of young girls in India get married and start childbearing in adolescence. Data shows that 9% of the girls aged 15–19 years in rural areas and 5% in urban areas have already begun childbearing. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends access to high-quality sexual and reproductive health information and services as a fundamental right of adolescents. In recent years, the Indian government has also taken several initiatives to cater to the needs of adolescents. The present study focuses on the levels of contraceptive use and the influence of health care workers and media outreach on the uptake of modern contraceptives among married adolescents in India. Findings from the present study suggest that though there has been an increase in the use of modern contraceptives among married adolescents over time, overall the level of contraceptive use is very low. There is visible variation in the use of modern contraceptives depending on the educational status, residence, religion, caste, and household wealth of adolescent girls. Contact of married adolescents with health care workers positively influences the uptake of modern contraceptives. However, the proportion of married adolescents who had contact with health care workers is very low.

Keywords

• Adolescent
• Family planning
• Contraception
• Pregnancy
• Health care workers
• NFHS