Practice of Contraception and Quality of life among Bhutanese Refugee Women of Eastern Nepal

Abstract

Background: Very less study are done about Bhutanese refugees in Nepal. The purpose of the present study was to examine the knowledge and practice of contraception among married women of reproductive age group and their quality of life from user's perspectives. Materials and Methods: A Cross-sectional study was done among 350 married women of reproductive age group of Bhutanese Refugee camp using systematic random sampling using structured questionnaires on family planning and self- rated questionnaires on quality of life by WHO (WHOQOL BREF). Results: A total of 350 married women of reproductive aged women participated in the study. Despite vigorous dissem- ination of health services by the health center in the community, 13.1% of the participants weren't aware about the free availability of family planning methods in the health centre. Sixty two percent women were found to be current users and Depo-Provera (52.3%) was the commonly used contraceptive methods. Very few males were using family planning methods as compared to females. It was found that the social and physical domain of quality of life was higher among the current contraceptive users. Conclusion: Owing to the patriarchal society of Bhutanese refugee of Nepalese origin, male participation for use of family planning was found less. The females were found to be using family planning methods, though the decision resided on the male counterpart.