RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The performance of rural areas of Maharashtra in the family welfare programme has not been previously investigated. METHODS: A study was carried out on the knowledge, attitudes and practice of contraception in 254eligible women from a rural area in Thane district, Maharashtra. RESULTS: The knowledge and practice of different contraceptives, particularly of spacing methods, was significantly less amongst non-acceptors than acceptors. Husbands, health staff and media made little contribution towards contraceptive information, particularly, amongst nonacceptors, and teachers did not contribute to any extent in both groups. Significantly more non-acceptors reported the husband's attitude to be unfavourable. The tribals were poor (94%), illiterate (85%), reported an unfavourable attitude of the husband (35%) and wanted their daughters to be married at or below 17 years of age (63%). CONCLUSIONS: The rural areas in Maharashtra need special attention in the family welfare programme.