Women Autonomy in Health and Family Planning Matters: A Cross-sectional Study of Urban Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

INTRODUCTION: The process of empowerment gives people the ability to take command, develop self-assurance, increase awareness, increase mobility, and make decisions. Getting women's voices heard when making decisions that affect them, their families, and the community is essential to improving women's quality of life. According to an Indian study, women in both age groups have higher levels of education, are more progressive in their viewpoints, and have more influence over decisions made in the home.
METHODS: For the study, 200 Indian women in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, were surveyed to find out if they were involved in healthcare decisions. The multistage random sampling technique was used. To provide information, the family's female head filled out a semi-structured questionnaire. The study was conducted in accordance with the protocol approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee.
RESULTS: A study in Jabalpur, MP, found that 42.5% of families make decisions on contraception, with women making more independent decisions about health care, shopping, and purchasing clothing and jewellery. Women's involvement in social and private affairs was low, with only 32.7% actively participating in health care decisions
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The study reveals that 85% of women have reduced autonomy in healthcare decision-making, despite having the right to participate. The findings suggest that educated partners and small families could improve women's decision-making autonomy in maternal health service use and family planning.