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Prevalence and Correlates of Infertility among Rural Women in India- A Mixed-method Approach

Shraboni Patra, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Sayeed Unisa, international Institute for Population Sciences

The prevalence of infertility in rural India is underestimated. The study focuses on the infertility scenario of rural India, particularly focusing on its diagnosed causes. A mixed-method research approach was adopted. Primary data was collected from 159 (20-49 years) women who ever had experienced infertility. Further, in-depth interviews were conducted among five childless women. The prevalence of infertility is 8% in Dakshin Dinajpur and 9% in Purab Medinipur. In the first-order treatment, about 8% of respondents had uterus problems. About 14% of women’s husbands had semen-related problems. About 4% of respondents had experienced an ectopic pregnancy. The provision of early diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis and ectopic pregnancy at the government hospital in rural areas can reduce the risk of infertility among rural women. Further, awareness and proper knowledge of the preventable risk factors (RTIs, STIs, and UTIs) can reduce the problem of primary infertility and secondary infertility as well.

Keywords: Mixed methods research, Qualitative data/methods/approaches, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Fertility and childbirth

See paper.

  Presented in Session 95. Maternal Health Care and Associated Needs