Acceptance of Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCD) and Associated Factors among Married Women of Reproductive Age Attending a Selected Hospital in Aizawl, Mizoram

Abstract

Introduction: Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) are among the most effective long-acting reversible contraceptive methods. Despite their proven safety and effectiveness, acceptance of IUCDs remains variable and is influenced by several socio-demographic and obstetric factors. Assessing the level of IUCD acceptance is essential for improving family planning services and promoting informed contraceptive choices. Objectives: To assess the level of IUCD acceptance and determine its association with selected socio-demographic and obstetric variables among married women of reproductive age attending a selected hospital in Aizawl, Mizoram. Methodology: A quantitative descriptive research design was adopted among 120 married women aged 18–45 years attending a selected hospital in Aizawl, Mizoram. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings revealed that 68.3% of the participants had accepted IUCDs. A statistically significant association was observed between IUCD acceptance and age (p < 0.01) and number of children (p = 0.016). No significant association was found between IUCD acceptance and other selected socio-demographic or obstetric variables. Conclusion: The study demonstrated a relatively high level of IUCD acceptance among married women. Age and number of children were significant factors associated with IUCD acceptance. Strengthening family planning counselling and promoting awareness of IUCDs may further improve acceptance and informed contraceptive decision-making among women.

Introduction

This study assessed the acceptance of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) among married women of reproductive age attending Civil Hospital, Aizawl, Mizoram, and examined its association with selected socio-demographic and obstetric variables. IUCDs are among the most effective, safe, reversible, and cost-effective long-acting contraceptive methods, yet their utilization remains low in many parts of India due to misconceptions, fear of side effects, inadequate counselling, and cultural influences.

Background

Despite government efforts to promote family planning, the unmet need for contraception remains a public health concern in Mizoram. Limited research has explored the acceptance of IUCDs in the region. This study was conducted to better understand women's acceptance of IUCDs and identify factors influencing their utilization, with the aim of improving family planning counselling and services.

Objectives

The study aimed to:

• Assess the level of IUCD acceptance among married women.
• Determine the association between IUCD acceptance and selected socio-demographic and obstetric variables.

Methodology

A quantitative descriptive study was conducted among 120 married women aged 18–45 years attending Civil Hospital, Aizawl. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using:

• A socio-demographic and obstetric questionnaire.
• A self-administered dichotomous questionnaire assessing IUCD acceptance.
• A Likert scale assessing reasons for IUCD discontinuation.

The research tools were validated by experts and demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.938). Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained before the study.

Participant Profile

Most participants:

• Were 18–27 years old (40%).
• Had higher secondary education (43.3%).
• Were homemakers (53.3%).
• Had two children (40.8%).
• Were Christian (85.8%).
• Belonged to middle-income households (48.3%).

Regarding obstetric characteristics:

• 76.7% were multiparous.
• 53.3% intended to have more children.
• 61.7% reported planned pregnancies.
• 77.5% had normal vaginal deliveries.
• 73.3% had no history of abortion or miscarriage.

Key Findings

The study found that:

• 68.3% of women had high acceptance of IUCDs.
• 14.2% had moderate acceptance.
• 17.5% had low acceptance.

The mean acceptance score was 5.38 ± 2.59, indicating an overall favourable attitude toward IUCD use.

Factors Associated with IUCD Acceptance

Statistical analysis showed:

• Age was significantly associated with IUCD acceptance (p < 0.01), with women aged 28–36 years showing higher acceptance.
• Number of children was also significantly associated (p = 0.016), with greater acceptance among women with more children.

No significant association was found between IUCD acceptance and:

• Educational level
• Occupation
• Marital status
• Income level
• Parity
• Intention to have more children
• Previous pregnancy planning
• Mode of delivery
• History of abortion or miscarriage

Discussion

The study demonstrates a relatively high level of IUCD acceptance (68.3%), which is higher than that reported in several previous studies. This may be attributed to improved awareness, better access to family planning services, and effective counselling provided by healthcare professionals. The findings also indicate that women's acceptance of IUCDs is influenced mainly by age and family size, rather than obstetric history.

Conclusion

The present study concludes that the level of IUCD acceptance among married women attending a selected hospital in Aizawl, Mizoram was relatively high. A statistically significant association was observed between IUCD acceptance and age as well as the number of children, while no significant association was found with other selected socio-demographic and obstetric variables. These findings highlight the importance of promoting informed decision-making and strengthening family planning services through effective counselling and health education to sustain and improve IUCD acceptance. Nurses and other healthcare professionals play a vital role in providing accurate information and supporting women in making informed contraceptive choices. Further research involving larger and more diverse populations is recommended to validate these findings and explore additional factors influencing IUCD acceptance.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Takhe Kanya, Mrs. Ruth Lalhmingthangi, Ms. Malsawmzuali . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.