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Role of Key Influencers in shaping FP decisions and choices of young women in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: A social network study

Pranita Achyut, Icrw
Nitin Datta, International Center for Research on Women
Jenny Ruducha, Brain Tree Global Health
Kuhika Seth, International Center for Research on
Priyanka Banerjee, McGill University, Montreal
Aishwarya Sahay, ICRW
Sharmishtha Nanda, International Center for Research On Women (ICRW)
Abhishek Gautam, International Center for Research on Women (ICRW)

Contraceptive choice and fertility dynamics are complex phenomenon that highlight the social embeddedness of human actions. Informed by a literature review, this study intends to expand evidence on young women’s social network and discern the processes through which individuals and groups intersect and support/impede pathways towards FP in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, India, using egocentric social network (ECN) method. For ECN, 200 women under 25yrs with no or 1 child and 1000 alters will be interviewed using structured tool post COVID second wave. Berkman’s Impact of Social Networks on Health model formed the basis of the literature review. Existing evidence highlights that young women are not a homogeneous group, and their network depends on socio-economic and normative context. Further, several individuals, such as husband, family members (matrimonial and natal), friends/peers and community health workers influence their decisions and preferences. But strength and trajectory of influence depends on context of women and influencers, and mediation by other influencers. Most of the studies have looked only at social learning and influence. Comprehensive understanding of various social mechanisms, factors encouraging influencers to behave in certain ways and pressures of young women to adhere to those will inform FP programming in UP and Bihar.

Keywords: Social network methods, Mixed methods research, Family planning and contraception, Gender

See extended abstract.

  Presented in Session 57. Key Factors Influencing Family Planning and Maternal Health Services in India