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

Abstract

Background: Family planning is an important component of reproductive health. Through family planning, couples can plan the number and spacing of their children. The use of family planning method depends on the various factors such as knowledge and largely on the barriers faced by women. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge and barriers towards use of family planning methods among women.Methods: This study was conducted at Village Dhawa, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Data were collected from 380 married women selected by convenient sampling technique. Data collection tool included Self-structured knowledge questionnaire and barrier rating scale. Analysis was done by using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: Most commonly used method of family planning was Sterilization. More than half of women (58.4%) had fair knowledge regarding family planning methods. Mean knowledge score was 15.48±3.14. Unawareness about the existing method was most reported barrier and Costs too much was least reported barrier. The knowledge level of women had significant association with religion and occupation (p level <0.05).Conclusions: Overall women had fair level of knowledge regarding family planning methods. Lack of awareness emerged as a key barrier in use of these methods by women. There is need to implement extensive awareness programs and empower women as active decision makers with respect to use of family planning methods.