Assessment of knowledge and attitude regarding intrauterine devices among auxiliary nurse midwife in two districts of North Bengal

Abstract

Background: Despite being one of the most easily available and reversible methods of family planning, IUD utilization continue to remain low, as evident in the nationwide surveys. One of the reasons was poor knowledge and skills on IUD provision among health care providers. This study examined factors related to providers, by examining their IUD-related knowledge, and their attitudes toward recommending or inserting the IUD.Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 503 ANMs from Uttar Dinajpur and Darjeeling Districts using a semi-structured questionnaire exploring the service providers’ knowledge, current practices and experience with IUD insertion. Attitudes regarding IUDs were assessed by asking how much they agreed with a number of hypothetical statements about the IUD.Results: The proportion of good knowledge and favourable attitude was 57.5% and 60% respectively. The knowledge was found to be significantly higher among ANMs aged less than 30 years and who had graduate education than their counterparts. Better knowledge and favourable attitude was found among the ANMs posted in Darjeeling and had service experience of more than 5 years.Conclusions: The knowledge and attitude of the ANMs were found to be less than satisfactory. Addressing IUDs and other newer contraceptives in pre-service curriculum, within job training and peer group education in both public and private areas may help the situation.