Contraceptive Prevalence Rate Among Currently Married Women in Kerala



Observations

  1. Stability in Early Years: The contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) remained stable between 1992-1993 (63.3%) and 1998-1999 (63.7%), indicating consistent use of contraceptives during this period.
  2. Peak in 2005-2006: There was a notable increase to 68.6% in 2005-2006, suggesting successful family planning initiatives or improved access to contraceptive methods.
  3. Sharp Decline (2015-2016): The CPR dropped significantly to 53.5%, which may reflect reduced access to services, shifts in societal attitudes, or decreased outreach efforts.
  4. Partial Recovery (2019-2020): The rate rebounded to 60.7%, indicating that efforts to promote contraceptive use may have resumed or improved.
  5. Fluctuating Trends: The overall trend exhibits fluctuations, highlighting the need for ongoing attention to family planning and reproductive health services.

Conclusion

The data on contraceptive prevalence among currently married women in Kerala reveals a dynamic landscape of family planning practices. While there was a peak in 2005-2006, the significant decline in 2015-2016 raises concerns about the accessibility and effectiveness of family planning programs during that period. The subsequent recovery in 2019-2020 indicates the potential for positive outcomes when targeted efforts are implemented. To maintain and further enhance contraceptive use, it is crucial for stakeholders to focus on improving access, education, and outreach in reproductive health services. Continuous monitoring and research will be essential to adapt strategies that address the changing needs and challenges faced by women in Kerala.