A study on contraceptive knowledge, attitudes and practices among women in the reproductive age group

Abstract

Background: India, with one of the world’s fastest growing populations, is a nation very much in need of contraceptive counselling. To assess the knowledge and attitude regarding family planning methods and contraceptive practices among women of reproductive age group.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in which 547 women in the reproductive age group i.e., 15-45 years, attending a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai were interviewed with predesigned validated questionnaire. A total of 547 women were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire from January 2016 to December 2016. The proforma included details such as socio-demographic features, questions related to knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) regarding contraceptive use.Results: Out of 547 women interviewed, 498 (i.e. 91%) had displayed an awareness of family planning methods (permanent/temporary). Out of these 498 women, about 78% had procured the information from family and friends. 13% got their information through mass media. Only 9% of women had been counselled in detail by health personnel about the various contraceptive options available. Out of 547 women interviewed, 342 (62.5%) were using contraception. More than a third of these women (26.8%), resort to barrier contraception as a contraceptive method of choice for spacing and to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. Only 17% women used OC Pills as a contraceptive method though 66% women knew about them. Though 59.4% of the women knew about IUCDs only 3.5% were actually using IUCD. Most of the women were in the younger age group of 21-30years (62%) and already had one or two children.Conclusions: Ignorance regarding use and side effects various contraceptive methods is the reason for inadequate practice of family planning methods. There should be emphasis on focused awareness programs, based on bridging the knowledge gaps among the women in reproductive age group.

Knowledge and attitude towards the practice of temporary contraceptive methods among pregnant women attending a teaching hospital in Puducherry

“…In other studies done on the knowledge, attitude and practice of contraception majority of the participants were in the same age group. 8,9 An extensive review of literature did not reveal many studies done among pregnant women in India. Most of the studies have been done among non pregnant women in reproductive age group.…”

“…This was found to be lower than the awareness rate found in other Indian studies of 91%, 82.8% and 100%. 2,9,10 Out of the primigravidae 44.6% and of the multigravidae 19.1% were not aware that contraceptives are available free of cost in the Government hospitals and health centres. As expected, the awareness was found to be significantly greater among multigravidae when compared to primigravidae.…”

Knowledge and barriers towards use of family planning methods among women: a study from Western India

“…11 Contrary to this, Shukla and researchers in their research study reported social circle as main source of information regarding family planning methods. 12 As far as the utilization of various family planning methods is concerned, nearly 1/3 rd of the study subjects were using one or other type of contraceptive method. Sterilization was the most common method and lactational amenorrhea was the least used method.…”

A Study to Assess the Knowledge, Practice and Attitude on Temporary and Permanent Contraceptive Methods among Primi and Multi Mothers in Selected Areas in Coimbatore

“…Women education and counseling can play an important role to adopt family planning methods. The mothers should be given information about contraceptives at every visit to the health services to motivate them [7][8][9][10].…”