MCH Student:

Imee Cambronero

Date of Defense:

June 2009

Abstract:

Objectives: In 2008, India was the second most populated country with an estimated population of 1.15 billion people living on 2,973,190 sq km.  In other words, approximately 17% of the world’s population was living on 2.4% of the landmass.  Despite having one of the oldest family planning policies in the world, India’s population continues to increase.  In the summer of 2008, a qualitative research project was conducted in India examining family planning factors in the North and South.

Methods:  The Theory of Grounded Behavior was used to identify familial, cultural, and political incentives and barriers that influence self-efficacy towards using contraceptives or permanent methods of family planning.

Results:  The research has been translated into a documentary film for mass distribution and intends to educate academics, non-government organizations, governments, and activists who are interested in family planning.  This film showcases cities in two regions of India:  Agra in the North and Manipal in the South.  Doctors, nurses, and social workers recruited and interviewed twenty women participants.  Five health professionals were also interviewed to gie clinical and family planning information.  Video editing was conducted using Final Cut Express 4.  After analysis of the transcription, the major factors or themes that influence family planning are: 1) the gender of the baby, 2) the family planning decision maker; 3) type of family planning method used; 4 maternal literacy of the mother, and 5) health care provider and access to education.