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American International Journal of Social Science Research; Vol. 5, No. 3; 2020 
ISSN 2576-103X    E-ISSN 2576-1048 

Published by Centre for Research on Islamic Banking & Finance and Business, USA 
 

     29 
 

 

Contraceptive Use among Slum Women in Slums of Dhaka City 

 
 

Rafia Akter 
Lecturer  

 Department of Science and Humanities 
Military Institute of Science and Technology, Bangladesh 

E-mail: rafiaakter93@gmail.com  
 
 
Received: June 06, 2020       Accepted: July 03, 2020           Online Published: July 20, 2020 
 
doi: 10.46281/aijssr.v5i3.667     URL: https://doi.org/10.46281/aijssr.v5i3.667 
 
 
Abstract      
Bangladesh has experienced a dramatic increase in contraceptive use and a sensational decline in fertility over 3 decades since its 
independence. The family planning program (FPP) in Bangladesh has been considered a success story in a setting without much 
socio-economic development. With the concerted effort of the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) and Non-Governmental 
Organizations (NGOs), women are becoming aware of physical health; (Icddr,b). In this context, a study has conducted to 
unveil the scenario of using contraception in the slum area of Dhaka City. In this research, 101 respondents were selected from 
two selected slums of Dhaka city. This study examines the use of contraceptives among the slum women. Findings revealed that 
respondents age 15-20) around 8.6% prefer an oral pill, 2.5% prefer IUD, 6.2% prefer condom (husband’s method) and 4.9% 
prefer injectable. Respondents aged within (21-25) around 19.8% prefer oral pill, 3.7% prefer IUD, 6.2% prefer condom 
(husband’s method) and 7.4% prefer injectable. Respondents age (above 25) around 21.0% prefer oral pill, 1.2% prefer IUD, 
1.2% prefer condom (husband’s method) and 17.3% prefer injectable. In total, around 49.4% prefer an oral pill, 7.4% prefer 
IUD, 13.6% prefer condom and 29.6% prefer injectable. Women’s education, exposure to mass media, current work status 
husband’s working status, age of marriage, decision-making rights, religious restriction are the important determinants of 
contraceptive use among slum women. 
 
Keywords: Contraceptive Methods, Preference, Married Women, Urban Slum.        
 
1. Introduction 
Bangladesh is a developing nation. As Bangladesh is a densely populated country, Population growth constitutes a primary threat 
to continued economic growth, social insecurity and development in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is not an exception to its 
population burden. Despite significant progress in family planning programs, the population of Bangladesh is increasing at an 
alarming rate. One strategy that has been used to cease further increases infertility in Bangladesh involves using family planning 
outreach workers who travel throughout rural and urban areas educating women regarding the use of modern contraceptives, and 
making these available at the doorstep. This family planning program has been operational for over 30 years of independence. 
The family planning program (FPP) in Bangladesh has been considered a success story in a setting without much socio-
economic development. With the concerted effort of the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) and Non-Governmental 
Organizations (NGOs), the contraceptive prevalence rate has increased from eight percent in 1975 to 54 percent in 1999-2000 
(Mitra & Al-Sabir, 1996). The process of population control in Bangladesh has been well documented with testimony at home 
and abroad. Although the consecutive demographic health surveys conducted in Bangladesh continually showed that the 
contraceptive prevalence rate was higher in urban areas than the urban areas. However, little is known on the contraceptive use 
patterns among slum dwellers. The rapid growth of population in the informal settlements and urban squatters suggests the 
urgent need to examine the contraceptive use and method choice among women living in the urban slums. Bangladesh has 
experienced dramatic increase of contraceptive use and a sensational decline in fertility over the three decades. The fertility has 
decreased from 6.3 births in the mid-1970s to 2000 and contraceptive use rate has increased more than seven folds during this 
period from 7.7% to 65.8% (NIPORT, 2012). Although the consecutive Demographic Health Surveys conducted in 
Bangladesh continually showed that the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) was higher in urban than rural areas, however, little 

https://doi.org/10.46281/aijssr.v5i3.667


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is known on contraceptive use pattern among slum dwellers. The rapid growth of population in the informal settlements 
suggests the urgent need to drive up understanding the contraceptive use and method choice among women living in the urban 
slums.  
 
2. Objectives of the Research 
The main objectives of “Contraceptive use among women in two selected slums of Dhaka city” are given below 
 To examine the socio-demographic background of slum women regarding contraceptive use 
 To investigate the factors which are affecting contraceptive use and method choice among slum women  
 To explore the ways to remove those obstacles in using contraceptives among slum women. 

 
3. Literature Review 
Amin, Li, and Ahmed (1996) stated that Participation in credit programs increases women’s economic status and empowers 
women through the experience of group solidarity, increased mobility, access to information about modern contraceptive 
methods and services, and support from program staff. Due to empowerment, they can make a decision on the use of 
contraception. Moreover, women’s involvement in credit programs increases their interaction outside of the home, as well as 
outside home, relieving social isolation and exposing them to new role models and behaviors, the adoption of which is reinforced 
through group membership.                                                
    Socioeconomic Factors Associated with Contraceptive Use and Method Choice in Urban Slums of Bangladesh 
(Kamal, 2009) explored contraceptive use patterns among slum dwellers in Bangladesh. The studies conducted on fertility and 
contraceptive use are confined to micro level and DHS data and focused mainly on rural women or national level. Little 
attention has been paid to contraceptive behavior among slum dwellers, where 35% of the urban people of Bangladesh reside. 
The principal contribution of this study is to increase the understanding of contraceptive use and method choice among urban 
poor living in the slums using a nationally representative survey data conducted in 2006. This study shows the comparisons of 
contraception practices which reveal that the urban poor were more likely to use modern methods than their rural counterparts , 
where the vast majority of the people of Bangladesh reside. The study also shows that access to mass media played an important 
role in contraceptive adoption and method choice. The influence was found somewhat stronger for the preference of traditional 
methods than modern methods among women who were exposed to TV. Media can inform and motivate couples, even about 
complex subjects such as their reproductive means and goals. Finally, the findings of the study suggest that efforts should be 
made better educating the slums dwellers, particularly women. Opportunities should be created equally for men and women to 
provide them formal and informal jobs to reduce poverty in the slums and reduce the sex preference of children. Mass media 
may play an important role to inspire couples to use modern contraceptive methods. Effective measures should be taken to 
reduce child mortality in the slum areas, which may further increase the use rate of contraception among the urban poor.                                                                                                                                 
    Wahed, Bhuyan, and Rahman (2006) this study conducted on the role of women in decision making on family 
planning among the slum women in a selected area of Dhaka city. The study revealed that on the aspect of contraceptive method 
choice women were the program maker. More than one-third of the total women had the self-confidence to take such decisions 
despite their husband’s disapproval. One of the important findings is that a large proportion of slum women (45%) would like 
to decide jointly about the number of children they should have. But they could not place birth. Nearly half (48.4%) of their 
first Childs was born accidentally. The study found a significant relationship between respondents’ age and in deciding family 
size. The duration of the marriage of the respondent also emerged as one of the important determinants of deciding family size. 
It can be told that programmatic efforts alone will not be enough to expedite the improvement of the position of urban slums 
women. The study findings finally recommended that efforts should be made to enough greater participation of women with 
their husbands in all family decisions.                 
    Kabir, Islam, and Bapari (2017) the study conducted through quantitative sample survey, this research conducted on 
Kamlapur, Karwan Bazar and kamrangirchor area in Dhaka city, All the women of a slum area in Dhaka city are the population 
of the study and each woman is the unit of analysis in this study.  The purposive sampling technique used in the present study. 
Firstly three slums of Dhaka city were selected purposively. This study has conducted to unveil the scenario of using 
contraception in the slum area of Dhaka city. The study has found that the slum women are using different types of 
contraceptives like as pill, IUD, injection, condom etc. The studies have found that older women in Bangladesh usually opt for 
traditional methods, and young women prefer modern contraceptive methods. Study also shows that they suffered from different 
types of problems including weakness, increasing weights, vomiting, menstrual problems etc. This study using factors which 
influence the use of the modern contraceptives method of couples: educational qualification of couples, number of children in 
the family, positive attitude towards modern contraceptives, a higher level of knowledge on contraceptives and males consent 
regarding family planning. 



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    Democracywatch (2014) the objective of this study is to know about the present status, powers and autonomy of 
women of slum dwellers regarding reproductive decision making. Both the qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to 
conduct the study including literature review, sample survey and non-participant observation.  The sample survey was carried out 
among the slum dwellers at different places in Dhaka, namely Moghbazar Rail Gate, Vashantek - Mirpur, Rajbari -Shia Masjid, 
Baoniabadh- Mirpur. Among the slum dwellers, 361 respondents were selected using random sampling method to collect data, 
of them 280 are female and 81 are male. This study will also help us to understand government health delivery system in slums, 
treatment-seeking behavior for various reproductive morbidities (Gynecological, Obstetric and Contraceptive Morbidity) and 
discuss various homemade remedies women use and treatment- seeking behavior is often influenced by a large number of factors 
apart from knowledge and awareness.        

4. Research Methodology 
Though the nature of study both quantitative and qualitative approaches are applicable in this research, only the quantitative 
research method was used in this study. The study was conducted on married women on urban slum to know about their 
knowledge regarding the factors associated with the use of contraceptives and creating awareness. The study was carried out in 
urban Dhaka slum. Among the slums of Dhaka city, 101 representative samples of two slums were selected purposively 
according to access facilities. These are khatalbagan and kamlapur slum. A semi-structured interview schedule was formulated for 
data collection. A set of independent variables were included in the study, namely, the current age of the women, women’s 
education, women’s working status, religion current work status, husband’s income, husbands occupation, number of living 
children, age of first marriage, desire for children,  preferable contraceptive methods etc. And a set of dependent variables were 
included in the study, namely, Religion objections, Type of place of residence, Access to mass media, husband and wife’s righ ts 
on decision-making process. Involvement with NGO program, location of NGOs near house, number of visits by FP field 
worker, risk factors associated with contraceptive use, side effects of contraceptives, knowledge and fertility awareness among 
slum women, Sampling framework also an important part of sample size. Non-probability was used in this study. It is the list of 
all units in the population from which the sample will be selected. Only one survey instrument was used in the study: the 
questionnaire. Relevant data on health from secondary sources were also collected to supplement the primary data and relate 
secondary data sources to the contraceptive use among slum women in Dhaka. 
 
5. Result and Discussions 
There are few studies on contraceptive use patterns among slum dwellers in Bangladesh. The principal contribution of this study 
is to drive up the understanding of contraceptive use and method choice among urban poor living in the slums using 
representative survey data conducted in 2017. Most important data were found in the survey. This study focused on respondents 
preferred contraceptives for birth control and four major contraceptive methods: oral pills, IDU, condom, injection. Findings 
showed that majority respondents prefer oral pill as a preferable method of contraception. The study conducted to examine the 
use of contraceptives among the slum women but also examine the socio-demographic background of slum women in a micro- 
level and focused mainly on poor urban slum women. A set of independent variables were included in the study, namely, the 
current age of the women, women’s education, women’s working status, religion current work status, husband’s income, 
husbands occupation, number of living children, age of first marriage, desire for children,  preferable contraceptive methods, etc 
are the indicators socio-demographic background.  
 

 

Figure 1. Level of preference for contraceptive use 



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    Findings showed that in figure 1, from 101 respondents, 78.6% preferred to take contraceptive methods and have 
knowledgeable about it and outcomes. On the other hand, 21.4% of respondents did not prefer any type of contraceptive 
method for family planning. 

 

Figure 2. Respondents Education 

 

    Education is one of the most crucial indicators of socio-demographic background. Figure 2 showed from 101 
respondent’s majority 42.6% received primary education, 30.6% are illiterate and 26.7% have received higher-secondary 
education. The findings of the study reveal that 35% respondent’s age of marriage was less than 15 years and 65% respondent’s 
age of marriage was less more than 15 in the two selected slums of Dhaka. 

 

 

Figure 3. Respondents Working Status 

 

           Respondent’s working is many influential factors in contraceptive use. According to, figure 3, around 69.3% of 
respondents are unemployed and 30.6% of respondents are employed and have their own decision making rights. From 
them 78% have children and 22% do not conceive any child. From 101 respondents 24% of couples communicate with 
each other once or twice and 76% communicate with each other more often. From 58.02% consulted with doctor or health 
workers for contraceptive use, 41.98% did not prefer to consult with the doctors or health worker 

           Table 1. Preferable contraceptives of slum women 

Age Preferable contraceptives of slum women Total 

Oral Pill     IUD Condom Injection 

15-20 8.6% 2.5% 6.2% 4.9% 22% 

21-25 19.8% 3.7% 6.2% 7.4% 38% 

25 above 21.0% 1.2% 1.2% 17.3% 40.% 

Total 49.4% 7.4% 13.6% 29.6% 100.0% 



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    Table 1 Findings also explore that respondents age with (15-20) around 8.6% prefer an oral pill, 2.5% prefer IUD, 
6.2% prefer condom (husband’s method) and 4.9% prefer inject tables. Respondents aged among (21-25) around 19.8% prefer 
an oral pill, 3.7% prefer IUD, 6.2% prefer condom (husband’s method) and 7.4% prefer inject tables. Respondent’s age (above 
25) around 21.0% prefer an oral pill, 1.2% prefers IUD, 1.2% prefer condom (husband’s method) and 17.3% prefer inject 
tables. In total, around 49.4% prefer an oral pill, 7.4% prefer IUD, 13.6% prefer condom (the husband’s method) and 29.6% 
prefer injectable. 

 
Figure 4. Effect of husband’s income 

According to (figure 4) 80% respondents stated that husband’s income hardly affects contraceptive method used as 
the majority respondents are unemployed they dependent on husband’s income. 20% respondents stated husbands income don’t 
effect on contraceptive use 
 

 
Figure 5. Decision-making rights on contraceptive use 

 
 

Findings (figure 5) showed that from total respondents, 82.6% of respondents stated that they have right to taking 
own decision regarding contraceptive use. 17.1% of respondents replied that they don’t have the right to choose contraceptive 
methods without their husbands’ consent.  
 

 
Figure 6. Effect of Islamic restrictions on contraceptive use 

 
 



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Findings (figure 6) revealed that, Majority 51.4% don’t belief, Islamic restrictions regarding birth control effects on 
contraceptive use in slum women. But 48.6% belief that it effects on contractive use. Findings explored that from, 101 
respondents 71.4% stated that they are aware of the side effects of contraceptives. 28.5% stated they are not aware of its side 
effects.    

 
 

Figure 7. Access to free medicine 
 

This survey (figure 7) revealed that, majority 71.2% of respondents stated, they don’t have access to free medicines 
and contraception.  28.7% stated that they have access to free medicine. 
 

 
Figure 8. Contribution of health care center regarding contraceptive use 

 
Figure 8 shows that 71.2% respondents stated that, health care center provide family planning services and 

contraceptives among slum women. And 28.7% replied that they don’t get any services from health care center. This survey also 
revealed that, majority 71.2% slum women, they don’t have access to free medicines and contraception.  28.7% stated that they 
have access to free medicine. This survey also explored that, majority 72% of respondents stated that Radio and television can 
increase contraceptive use among slum women. 28% of respondents don’t think that. 

 
 

Figure 9. Government policies 



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    Figure 9 from 101 respondents, 99% respondents promote that government policies and educational opportunities 
can reduce fertility rate among slum women.1% don’t promoted that. This study tried to find out the awareness and the 
decision-making rights of slum women regarding contraceptives rights, NGOs and health care center also have much 
contribution regarding contraceptive use among slum women. One of the most positive sides of this survey is that women has 
more decision-making power for preferring contraceptives but still they depend on husbands’ income. As majority of the 
respondents are unemployed still they have to depend on their husband’s income. 

6. Conclusion 
Women are living in an urban slum, mostly victims of poor and unhealthy environment. Due to lack of proper education, they 
don’t know self- hygiene and family planning. This study focused on the socio demographic background of slum women and 
influencing factors of contraceptives use. Women’s education, exposure to mass media, current work status husband’s working 
status, age of marriage and Role of health care center are the important determinants that demonstrate highly significant positive 
relationships with contraceptive use and method choice in the slum- dwelling women of Bangladesh. Women are also 
experiencing the right to their own decision. This is a positive signs Access to mass media played an important role in 
contraceptive adoption and method choice. Media can both inform and motivate couples, even about such complex subjects as 
their reproductive means and goals. NGOs should play important role to adopt modern methods among slum women. The 
Government should take initiatives and distribute free contraceptives among slum women.   
 
References 
Amin, R., Li, Y., & Ahmed, A. U. (1996). Women's credit programs and family planning in rural Bangladesh. International 

Family Planning Perspectives, 158-162. 
Democracywatch. (2014). Reproductive Decision Making Role among Slum Dwellers of Dhaka City. Retrieved from 

https://www.dwatch-bd.org/ggtp/Research%20Reports/reproductiv.pdf 
Kabir, M. A., Islam, M., & Bapari, M. Y. (2017). A Study on Using Contraception in Dhaka City: A Scenario from Slum Area. 

Asian Journal of Humanity, Art and Literature, 4(2), 131-140. 
Kamal, S. M. (2009). Contraceptive use and method choice in urban slum of Bangladesh. In International Conference on 

Family Planning: Research and Best Practices (Vol. 15, p. 18). 
Mitra, S. N., & Al-Sabir, A. (1996). Contraceptive use dynamics in Bangladesh. Macro International Inc. 
National Institute of Population Research, Training (Bangladesh), Mitra and Associates (Firm), & MEASURE DHS 

(Program). (2012). Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2011: Preliminary Report. National Institute of 
Population Research and Training. 

Wahed, T., Bhuyan, M. S. A., Rahman, M. Z. (2006). The role of women in decision making on family planning among the 
slum women in a selected area of Dhaka City. JOPSOM, 25(1), 33-41 

 
 
 
Copyrights  
Copyright for this article is retained by the author(s), with first publication rights granted to the journal. This is an open-access 
article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license 
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). 

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