Usage of contraception among the married women in India, 2019–21: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Contraceptive use plays a significant role in reducing fertility and improving maternal and child health. Understanding utilization patterns and preferences is essential for addressing unmet needs in family planning among married women in India. Objective This study aims to analyse the usage of contraceptive methods among the married women aged 15–49 years in India, and to identify the factors associated with contraceptive uptake. Methods Cross-sectional data from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey, (2019–21) were used for this analysis. NFHS is a periodic cross-sectional survey conducted using a multistage household sampling design in India. The total sample consisted of 512,408 women aged 15–49 years currently in a marital union. Cross-tabulation was conducted to evaluate the levels of contraceptive use, and logistic regression was utilized to identify factors associated with contraceptive uptake. The entire analysis was performed using the STATA 17.0 statistical software. Results Contraceptive usage among married women has increased from 53.5% in NFHS-4 (2015–16) to 65.7% in NFHS-5 (2019–21). The likelihood of contraception usage among the married women in India is significantly influenced by the factors like age of the women, educational attainment, desire for children, caste, religion, wealth index, exposure to mass media and place of residence. Conclusion Despite advancements in reproductive health, contraceptive uptake among married women in India remains insufficient. To address this, interventions should prioritize the provision of diverse contraceptive options, along with comprehensive counselling, to emphasize the benefits and proper use of these methods. Addressing socio-demographic disparities is essential for improving equitable access to family planning services.