Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The Copper-T (Cu T-380 A), an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD), is widely available and is a highly effective, safe, long-term, and reversible method of contraception. Despite this fact, there is low utilization of IUCDs in India. Hence, this study focused on determining the rate of acceptability of IUCDs, identifying barriers to acceptance of IUCDs, and finding out the cause of IUCD discontinuation. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 720 married women in the Khordha district, Odisha, India, via a questionnaire and a structured interview schedule. A systematic random sampling method was applied to select the participants. A multivariate logistic regression test was used to determine the factors associated with the acceptance of IUCDs. RESULTS: This study revealed that only 20.97% of the potential users were currently using IUCDs, 73.75% had never used n IUCD as a contraceptive, and 20.1% of women had discontinued it. Multiple socio-demographic, obstetrical, and family planning behaviours and a lack of awareness were identified to be linked to IUCD acceptability. Fear of adverse effects, family members' objections, availability of other modern contraceptive methods, husband's disagreement, and lack of awareness about the benefits of IUCDs were the most stated reasons for refusal of IUCDs. The most common reason for discontinuing an IUCD was the desire for another child. CONCLUSION: The rate of acceptability of IUCDs was quite low in Odisha as compared to other parts of India and, therefore, this study recommends imparting counselling on effective methods of family planning to increase the acceptance of IUCD use.