Factors affecting sterilization operation among couples of a rural area in Ahmedabad: A record-based study.

Introduction: Various socio demographic factors play role in sterilization operation. Materials and Methods: A record-based study was conducted in Jetalpur, rural area of Ahmedabad District. Records of all sterilization operation done between April 2010 to March 2011 were studied. Results: A total of 180 sterilization operations were performed, of which 179 (99.4%) were female sterilization and one (0.6%) was vasectomy. The mean age of females was 28.27 years and that of their husbands was 31.72 years. Total 45% of females in the study population were illiterate, whereas 17% of their husbands were illiterate and their average family size was 2.8 members. Majority of females underwent sterilization operation when the age of last living child was between 1-5 years. In 67% cases, female health worker was the motivator. Only two couples had no living male child, whereas all other couples had at least one male child in the family. There was no significant relationship between the education of the mother and the age of the last living child, but education of mother was significantly related to the total number of living children in the family. Education of the father was significantly related with the age of last living child and the total number of living children in the family. Conclusion: The study reveals that education of both parents is an important driving factor in deciding the size of family. Majority of couple decide for permanent sterilization after having at least one male child. Thus, there is a strong preference for at least one male child in the family.