FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH UNMET NEED FOR FAMILY PLANNING AMONG MARRIED WOMEN IN RURAL TELANGANA, INDIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Introduction: Despite the availability of various contraceptive services, the unmet need for family planning continues to remain high among rural populations. This study aims to evaluate the determinants of unmet family planning needs among married women of reproductive age residing in rural areas of Telangana. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 married women aged 15–44 years in Patancheru, a rural field practice area of Osmania Medical College. Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire. Cluster sampling was employed, and the analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and univariate analysis. Results: The contraceptive prevalence rate in the study was 83.5%, with 58% of women using permanent methods, predominantly tubectomy. The total unmet need for family planning was 12.5%, including 5% for spacing and 7.5% for limiting. Permanent methods were the most commonly used. Age (p < 0.000001), religion (p < 0.000001), occupation (p < 0.000001), socioeconomic status (p = 0.01), family type (p < 0.000001), and age at marriage (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with unmet family planning needs. Conclusion: Sociodemographic and cultural determinants continue to influence contraceptive use. Tailored awareness programs that emphasize temporary methods and male involvement are essential to address unmet needs in rural settings.