Practice of Family Planning Methods by the Eligible Couple in the Rajshahi City Corporation Area

ABSTRACT


INTRODUCTION
Family planning is a pivotal component of public health policy and an essential determinant of reproductive and maternal health.It plays a significant role in shaping the demographics of a region, particularly in urban settings.A study by Khan et al. (2020) noted that family planning services in urban areas, including Rajshahi, have witnessed increased availability and utilization over the years.However, the extent to which eligible couples are effectively practicing family planning in this urban setting remains an area of ongoing research [1].Statistics from the National Institute of Population Research and Training (NIPORT) (2021) indicate that family planning methods have been increasingly used in urban areas of Bangladesh.In fact, the prevalence of contraceptive use in urban areas was reported to be 64.6% in 2017-18, showing a significant uptrend.This signifies a considerable proportion of the urban population in Bangladesh using family planning methods, indicating both access and acceptance of such practices in these settings.Nevertheless, the urban landscape is characterized by a diverse socio-economic fabric, and understanding the variations and determinants of family planning practices among eligible couples in a specific urban area like Rajshahi City Corporation is necessary to tailor interventions effectively [2].This research aims to provide insight into the prevalence and determinants of family planning practices in Rajshahi City Corporation, with a focus on the dynamics that influence eligible couples in their choices regarding family planning methods and the factors contributing to their adoption or nonadoption of these methods.This understanding will not only inform policy and program implementation but will also contribute to the broader discourse on reproductive health in urban areas of Bangladesh.Corresponding Author: Most.Nargis Nahar

G. Ethical Considerations:
 Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the relevant ethics committee or institutional review board. Informed consent was obtained from all study participants. Participant confidentiality and privacy were ensured throughout the study.4 illustrates the relationship between the sex of respondents and their current practice of family planning (FP) methods.The data shows that a higher percentage of female respondents (88.2%) are practicing FP methods compared to male respondents (75.0%).Conversely, a larger proportion of male respondents (25.0%) are not using FP methods compared to female respondents (11.8%).The statistical analysis, including a chi-squared (χ²) test, reveals a significant association between sex and FP method practice (p<0.001),indicating that gender plays a role in the utilization of FP methods among the study participants, with more females actively practicing FP methods.

DISCUSSION
The presented data on family planning practices among eligible couples in the Rajshahi City Corporation area provides valuable insights into demographic characteristics, marital and child-related factors, family planning methods, and associated challenges.To provide a more comprehensive discussion, it's crucial to compare and contrast these findings with existing literature and research in similar contexts.The high prevalence of family planning practices (88.0%) in this urban setting is promising and suggests the effectiveness of family planning programs.In contrast, national-level data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (NIPORT et al., 2017) reported a lower prevalence (64.6%) in urban areas of the country.This difference may be attributed to more targeted and accessible family planning services in urban areas, including Rajshahi City Corporation, or variations in sample demographics.The study's findings align with Khan et al. (2020), which noted an increased availability and utilization of family planning services in urban areas, signifying a positive trend in family planning practices [1,3].Demographic characteristics of the study participants reveal a predominantly female population (98.67%), in line with broader data on gender distribution in Bangladesh.This reflects women's active role in family planning decisions and practices in the country.However, the study's exclusive focus Corresponding Author: Most.Nargis Nahar on eligible couples might contribute to this gender disparity, as women often play a more direct role in contraceptive methods.The marital and child-related statistics offer insights into family dynamics.The age at marriage of wives in the study, primarily between 18-20 years, is consistent with national trends.The average number of children (1.59) and the relatively small age gap between children align with the trend of smaller family sizes in urban areas of Bangladesh.These findings suggest that urban families are adopting family planning methods effectively to control the number and timing of their children, in line with global efforts to promote smaller, healthier families.Data on family planning methods and associated factors, including reasons for non-use, type of methods, duration of use, and source of methods, reveal patterns that can be compared with similar studies in urban Bangladesh.The prevalence of the oral pill as a family planning method is consistent with national data.Self-advice being the primary source of family planning methods may reflect the relative ease of access to over-the-counter contraceptive methods in urban areas.However, the report of problems associated with the use of family planning methods by a substantial percentage of respondents highlights the importance of addressing side effects and concerns to increase acceptability and continuation.The substantial role of female partners in overseeing current family planning practices (80.0%) aligns with the trend of women's involvement in reproductive health decisions.This echoes findings from studies on gender dynamics in family planning (Asif, 2018) and underscores the significance of women's agency in managing family planning methods and their own reproductive health [4,5].The data from this study provides valuable insights into family planning practices in the Rajshahi City Corporation area, offering an opportunity to compare and contrast findings with existing literature.The higher prevalence of family planning practices in this urban area is promising, indicating the effectiveness of family planning programs.However, challenges related to side effects and the role of female partners in family planning decisions highlight areas where targeted interventions can be beneficial.

CONCLUSION
The findings from the study on family planning practices among eligible couples in the Rajshahi City Corporation area reveal a commendable prevalence of family planning methods, highlighting the accessibility and effectiveness of reproductive health services in this urban setting.The demographic characteristics align with broader gender dynamics in Bangladesh, emphasizing the central role of women in family planning decisions.Furthermore, the data underscores the importance of smaller family sizes and relatively small age gaps between children in urban areas, reflecting a global trend towards healthier family planning practices.However, the study also reveals concerns related to side effects and method-related problems, suggesting the need for targeted interventions and improved counseling services to enhance method acceptability and continuation.Moreover, the active involvement of female partners in overseeing family planning practices underscores the significance of women's agency in reproductive health decision-making.

RECOMMENDATIONS
To further enhance family planning practices in the Rajshahi City Corporation area and similar urban settings, it is imperative to implement comprehensive awareness and education programs to inform eligible couples about family planning methods and address concerns.Strengthening counseling services is vital, providing couples with a platform to discuss their needs and preferences.Additionally, promoting male involvement in family planning decisions and research into method-related side effects are essential steps.Collaborating with NGOs and healthcare providers, monitoring program effectiveness, and encouraging data sharing among researchers can help develop evidence-based interventions and address the diverse needs of urban populations in Bangladesh.By focusing on these recommendations, policymakers and healthcare providers can further strengthen family planning services and contribute to healthier urban demographics.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. A. K. M Enamul Haque, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Adjunct Faculty Member at Northern University Bangladesh, for his invaluable guidance, mentorship, and support throughout the research process.His expertise and insights have greatly contributed to the success of this study.We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the participants of this study.Without their willingness to share their valuable insights and experiences, this research would not have been possible.Their active participation and cooperation have been instrumental in shaping the findings and conclusions of this study.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None to declare.

Objectives of the study: General Objective:
To investigate and analyze family planning practices among eligible couples in the Rajshahi City Corporation area, Bangladesh.

Table 2 . Distribution of the respondents by marriage and children.
7 Corresponding Author: Most.Nargis Nahar

Table 3 . Distribution of the respondents by FP (family planning) methods.
4 Corresponding Author: Most.Nargis Nahar