Spousal Communication and Attitudes Towards and Practice of Contraception in Nepal: A Gender Comparison

Sundar S. Shrestha, Pennsylvania State University
Prem Bahadur Bhandari, Pennsylvania State University
Pawan Shrestha, Family Planning Association Nepal

To what extent does the spousal communication about family planning shape individuals’ attitudes towards and practice of modern contraceptive methods? What role does gender play in determining these relationships? Using 1996 data from the Chitwan Valley of Nepal, the results of logistic regression models show that while spousal communication was not a significant predictor of contraceptive attitudes, it contributed significantly and positively to explaining contraceptive behaviors of individuals. Moreover, the extent of the effect increased with the increase in the frequency of discussion. Pooled analyzes showed no significant effect of gender on shaping attitudes toward contraceptive use and their practice. However, the gender disaggregated analysis indicated that although women showed a stronger negative attitude towards contraception than male, the effect of spousal communication on contraceptive use was positive indicating a possible influence of husbands on wives’ decisions.