Correlates of family planning acceptance: a multivariate analysis.

A multivariate generalized linear model is developed to analyze the correlates of family planning acceptance in India using data from the 1980 National Fertility and Mortality Survey, undertaken in Maharashtra. "Variables such as caste, education, number of living sons, [and] number of living children have been included in the analysis. The application of the model revealed that the existing number of children/son has a closer association with acceptance of contraception rather than the education or caste variables."

Family welfare and MCH programme: rural Nasik district 1984-85.

PIP: This is a report on an evaluation survey of the family welfare and maternal and child health program conducted in the rural district of Nasik, Maharashtra, India, in 1984-1985. It is the last but one in a planned series of evaluation surveys to be carried out by the Population Research Centre at the Gokhale Institute, Pune, and covered just under 2,000 households. The survey objectives and methodology are first described. Sections are included on contraceptive prevalence, motivation and satisfaction levels among acceptors, comparisons with non-acceptors, the impact of family planning on fertility, and maternal and child health care. The authors conclude that the desire of most families for two sons, the absence of birth spacing, and a lack of health consciousness make a significant decline in fertility from its present level of about 32 per 1,000 unlikely.^ieng

Family planning behaviour in Maharashtra.

PIP: Trends in family planning behavior in the state of Maharashtra, India, are reviewed. Comparisons are made between estimates of contraceptive prevalence emanating from official government sources and estimates based on a series of surveys undertaken by the Population Research Centre at the Gokhale Institute, Pune. The authors suggest that some program data may be distorted by the need to meet program targets. They also conclude that although sterilization is the contraceptive method of choice, the goal of the government to lower the net reproduction rate to one by the year 1991 in Maharashtra is unlikely to be achieved, given current family size norms and most families' desire for two sons.^ieng

Demographic evolution of India's family planning programme.

PIP: The development of India's national family planning program since 1951 is first described. The authors then consider the program's performance and its impact on fertility. Future prospects for the program are assessed in light of the 1981 census results. It is concluded that the program has had substantial government support but little popular support; central government control encourages rigidity; the present health infrastructure is inadequate; there is a lack of availability of suitable contraceptive methods; reliance on sterilization is too high; and legalized abortion is needed as a contraceptive backup.^ieng

Communication system between District Health Office and Primary Health Centre.

This is a pilot study undertaken by the authors to analyse the communication system as prevalent in health services at District Health Office (DHO) and five Primary Health Centres (PHCs) under it. The five PHCs were randomly selected under DHO Bellary. The authors study the nature of communication of correspondences pertaining to establishment matters, health intelligence and health activities for the first quarter of the financial year between the DHO and PHCs level, pinpoint deficiencies and list out suggestions.

PIP: A study was conducted of communications and correspondence between 5 randomly selected primary health centers (PHCs) and their district health office (DHO) from April to June, 1977, to evaluate their communication system. A statistical assistant and a computer specialist using 3 different schedules analyzed correspondence pertaining to organizational and health matters. Staff shortages and lack of supplies were found to hamper written communications and record keeping. It was difficult to estimate the total quantity of letters sent and received as files were incomplete at both ends. Communications were classified according to subject matter covered, type of communication, and urgency. 85% of communications issued by PHCs and the DHO were initial ones, and few follow-up letters were included. Most communications did not require any reply. Suggestions for improvement of the system by the staff focused on providing adequate personnel, equipment, and supplies, and allowing enough time for replying to avoid duplicate reports. The authors suggest that more communications from the DHO to the PHCs are needed on implementation and supervision of health programs, that more communications are needed providing guidance and supervision to individual PHCs, and that records of monthly meetings at DHO and PHCs should be more complete.