Choices and Trends of Modern Methods of Family Planning Use at a Very Remote District Hospital of Nepal

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Family planning involves controlling the number and spacing of children through contraception, infertility treatment, and reproductive education. The objective of this study is to identify the choices and trends of modern contraceptive methods at a very remote district hospital in Nepal.

Materials and Methods: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the family planning clinic of Rolpa Hospital from 1^st Shrawan 2078 to 30^th Asar 2082. All cases receiving family planning services in fiscal years 2079/80, 2080/81, and 2081/82, as registered in the family planning register of Rolpa Hospital, were included in the study.

Results: In this study, in fiscal year 2081/82, new users of modern methods of family planning were 46 (25.99%) cases for Inj. Depo-Provera, followed by Minilap (n= 35, 19.77%) and OCPs (n=26, 14.69%). Fifteen (8.47%) females aged less than 20 years opted for some forms of contraception. It is seen that the number of current users of family planning is increasing, but the rate of increase is decreasing compared with fiscal year 2079/80 to 2080/81 (∆n=208, 40.78% rise) and fiscal year 2080/81 to 2081/82 (∆n=149, 20.75% rise). At Rolpa Hospital, the proportion of cases opting for Minilap to Vasectomy as a permanent method of contraception is 52.4%, 60.7%, and 61.4% in successive fiscal years from 2079/80, 2080/81 to 2081/82.

Conclusion: Family planning is not just about contraception but is also a public health strategy and a reproductive right aimed at improving overall family well-being and national health indicators. For this purpose, the Government of Nepal should focus on the use of Long-acting reversible contraceptives like Intra-uterine devices for needy couples.