Knowledge, attitude and practices of contraception among the married women of reproductive age

• Main Authors: Karabi Barman, Manideepa Roy, Saswati Sanyal Choudhary, Wahida Naznin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Barpeta Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society 2021-01-01
• Series: New Indian Journal of OBGYN
• Subjects: contraception; ocp
• Online Access: https://journal.barpetaogs.co.in/pdf/07224.pdf

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, practices of contraception and to evaluate factors associated with non use of contraception among married women in reproductive age group. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 married women in reproductive age group, attending department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital for a period of six months. A predesigned proforma was used which included details of socio-demographic features, questions related to knowledge, attitude and practices regarding contraceptive use. Results: In our study 92% women were aware of at least any single method of contraceptives. Out of 200 women only 154 (77%) were using or willing to use contraception, which was very low compared to the knowledge of contraception. The number of women who were properly using contraception was 82 (41%). Among the 200 women, 41.5% got information from health care workers and 40% got their information from media. The most preferred method was oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) 39% and least preferred was post partum intrauterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD) 1.5%. Out of 136 women who heard about Cu-T, 25% thought it causes cancer, 27.9% thought there will be perforation if they take Cu-T and 19.8% of them did not prefer Cu-T as their family member or husband opposed it. Main cause of refusing tubectomy was religious 60%. Conclusions: It can be concluded that usage rate is very low compared to the knowledge and awareness of contraception. Misconceptions and fear of side effects are the reason for inadequate practice of contraceptive methods.