Sociocultural determinants of tubectomy among women attending sterilization camps in Gohana, Haryana
Deepika Kataria, Babita Rani, Ilakkiya Palaniappan, Sanjay Kumar Jha, Himani SaharanBACKGROUND:
Female sterilization continues to be the most commonly adopted permanent contraceptive method in India, shaped largely by sociocultural norms, gender dynamics, and disparities in knowledge. Evidence from northern India on determinants influencing tubectomy remains limited.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 101 women undergoing tubectomy at sterilization camps in General Hospital, Gohana, Haryana. Data were collected using a pretested semistructured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, decision-making patterns, and knowledge, attitude, and practices related to family planning. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests.
RESULTS:
Most participants were aged 21–30 years, from joint families and belonged to the Other Backward Class or the Scheduled Caste communities. Tubectomy decisions were predominantly made jointly with the husband, while health workers were the main motivators. Completion of the family was the leading reason for sterilization. Duration of marriage, caste, women’s education, desired timing of tubectomy, reasons for delay, and selected knowledge and attitude variables showed significant associations with the number of children. Higher education and better contraceptive awareness were linked with lower parity.
CONCLUSION:
Tubectomy acceptance is strongly influenced by sociocultural and educational factors. Improving female education, addressing misconceptions about sterilization, and enhancing male involvement are essential to promote informed and equitable family planning choices.