Contraceptive Use Among Women in the Context of Male Out Migration: Unique Patterns and Vulnerabilities

Despite universal contraceptive knowledge and wide facilitation for family planning, 35% of Sri Lankan women are not using a contraceptive method as at 2016 (Department of Census & Statistics, 2017). This study claims that in addition to conventional reasons such as desire for children, unmet need, fear of side effect etc. for non-use, hidden factors could also persist in a country where diverse demographic and socio-economic factors, in this case migration is at play. This paper examines the contraceptive use among left behind women with subsidiary focus on their contraceptive knowledge, reasons for use or non-use and possible implications using a mixed method approach consisting of primary data from a survey and in-depth interviews, conducted in Kandy district of Sri Lanka. Findings indicate that knowledge of contraceptives are high among women, particularly on methods that needs little pre-planning and male involvement – i.e. condoms and withdrawal. Knowledge of emergency methods are also high compared to national figures. Use of contraceptives take a cyclical pattern where it synchronizes with spousal visits. Highest use is reported for male condoms and withdrawal during spousal visits. Emergency contraceptive use is also relatively high. Due to method failures, unintended pregnancies and abortions are reported. Issues on access and poor spousal communication on contraceptive use results in women not using more reliable methods. Left behind women are seen as a group that does not need attention regarding contraceptive use as the spouse is absent. However, family planning programmes should target specific groups such as left behind women that may escape the national focus but needs special attention.

Universal contraceptive knowledge, Women , Vulnerabilities

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