Cultural perception and meaning of family planning services among the urban slum dwellers in Delhi

Family planning means the restriction for the child’s conception and prevention through the application of different methods of contraceptives after certain number of children in the family. The small family size has been suggested or recommended by the government health institutions and the population expert of the society. The public health institution have developed and started implementation for promoting small family size by adopting the population policies, programs and different strategic plan of actions. It has been extended even in the population structures of urban slums in India. The present article is an analysis of the research conducted in the urban slum of Delhi. The objective of the study was to explore the determining factors and socio-cultural beliefs and practices of family planning services provided in the slum areas in Delhi. To accomplish the objective 400 respondents (pregnant and lactating mothers) as a sample size of study have been interviewed by administering a semi-structured interview schedule. The main findings of the study have been analyzed in relation to the cultural perception and meaning of family planning services provided among the urban slum dwellers. As observed, more than 74% respondents stated that the daughters were the property of others. 21.3% respondents stated religion did not permit to use contraceptives for family planning. As per 13% respondents children were god gifted in the family. Further, 82.3% respondents stated vasectomy to be avoided due to the beliefs of ‘manhood’. Children were sources of income stated by 75.3% respondents and preference of male child was considered by 87.8%. In fact, it has been viewed that higher the educational level lower the preference on cultural beliefs and practices for family planning.