Prevalence, Method Mix, and Determinants of Contraceptive Use Among Eligible Couples in an Urban Resettlement Colony of Delhi.

Background Although contraceptive prevalence in Delhi is relatively high, urban resettlement colonies may exhibit distinct patterns of contraceptive utilisation and method choice that are not captured in aggregate estimates. Understanding the prevalence, method mix, and factors associated with contraceptive use in such settings is essential for strengthening urban family planning services. Objectives To assess the prevalence, method mix, and predictors of current contraceptive use among eligible couples residing in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 306 eligible couples, selected by simple random sampling from households in an urban resettlement colony in South-East Delhi. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire adapted from the National Family Health Survey. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate awareness, ever use, current use, and contraceptive method mix. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with current contraceptive use, and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Results Among 306 eligible couples, awareness of at least one contraceptive method was reported by 300 (98.0%). Ever use of any contraceptive method was reported by 207 (67.6%), while 179 (58.5%) were current users at the time of the survey. Among current users, condoms were the most commonly reported method, used by 73 (23.9%) participants, followed by female sterilisation in 56 (18.3%). Use of modern spacing methods was lower, with intrauterine devices reported by 18 (5.9%), oral contraceptive pills by 17 (5.6%), and injectable contraception by 14 (4.6%). Partner support among current users was reported by 171 (95.5%). Joint decision-making regarding contraceptive use was reported by 96 (53.6%) current users. On multivariable analysis, longer duration of marriage was positively associated with current contraceptive use (AOR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02-1.28). Having one or more male children showed a strong association (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.72-5.84), as did contact with Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) (AOR = 3.48, 95% CI: 1.79-6.77). Educational attainment demonstrated a graded association, with significantly higher odds among women with higher secondary education (AOR = 10.85, 95% CI: 3.21-36.69), secondary education (AOR = 6.64, 95% CI: 2.15-20.56), and primary education (AOR = 3.67, 95% CI: 1.16-11.62), compared to those with no schooling. Conclusion Contraceptive use among eligible couples in this urban resettlement colony varied by stage of marital and reproductive life and by engagement with community-based health services, despite high levels of awareness. The findings describe a contraceptive method mix dominated by condoms and highlight the association of contraceptive use with educational status, marital duration, child sex composition, and recent contact with frontline health workers. These results provide context-specific evidence on patterns and correlates of contraceptive use in an urban resettlement setting.