Background: The Government of India as a part of its commitment toward the provision of quality spacing services in family
planning introduced copper T (Cu-T) 380A in 2002 with an effective protection for 10 years replacing the earlier Cu-T 200.
Study Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive type of observation study.
Objectives: Rural-urban comparison of Cu-T utilization status and to determine the relevant factors influencing it.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a rural block (Rani Block) and urban slums of Guwahati
city between the periods from August 2012 to July 2013. Sample size was determined by 4 PQ/L2
, based on 43.3% prevalence
of contraceptive practice by the modern method according to the National Family Health Survey-III, 2005-2006 of Assam and
20% permissible error was considered. So, the sample size was calculated as 130 eligible couples. So, 130 eligible couples
from each area were studied for which 260 currently married women constitute the study population. Statistical analysis was
done by applying Chi-square test.
Results: Cu-T acceptance was more in age group (25-29 years) in urban area (66.7%) than in rural area (33.3%). The level
of education had no influence on Cu-T acceptance which was more in rural (16.2%) than in urban (7.9%). Cu-T acceptance
was more among household workers both in the urban and rural area. Cu-T acceptance was more among women who earned
Rs. 228-500 as per capita per month both in urban and rural. Spacing and postponement of pregnancy (66.7%) reasons for
Cu-T acceptance. Desire for a child was the main ground for discontinuation of Cu-T. Majority of women had no complaints
(77.8%) on Cu-T insertion, but few (22.2%) complained of spontaneous expulsion.
Conclusion: Organization of awareness camp in both rural and urban area with involvement of community influencers (Panchayat
members health functionaries, ICDS workers) and behavior change communication through interpersonal communication is needed.