Examining the Influence of Continuum of Maternal Health Care Services on Postpartum Family Planning Use in India: Evidence From National Family Health Survey 2014–2015

Ujjaval Srivastava , Banaras Hindu University
Kaushalendra K. Singh, Banaras Hindu University

Continuum of maternal health care is crucial for women’s reproductive health. Initiation of family planning use during the postpartum period also is crucial for both maternal and child health. Our paper examines the role of the continuum of maternal care on subsequent use of postpartum family planning. For the analysis, the study uses information obtained in the 2014-15 National Family Health Survey (NFHS) from women of reproductive age for the last birth before the survey. Results show that within 12 months following the last birth, nearly 34% of women started using a modern method of family planning and around 9% women started using traditional method of family planning. 10% of women had started using modern contraceptives by the end of the first month after childbirth. Continuity in the use of maternal health care is significantly associated with contraceptive use postpartum after controlling for other socioeconomic and demographic factors.

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 Presented in Session 1. Fertility, Family Planning, Sexual Behavior, & Reproductive Health 1