Publication:

Awareness and misconceptions about contraception in post-partum period in a tertiary care centre in North India: a cross-section study

Background Most common reason of unintended pregnancy is non-use of contraception and contraception failure. To get rid of unintended pregnancy, abortion is most common procedure done which can lead to increased maternal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to explore the sociodemographic variables of reproductive women with awareness about contraception, outlook for contraception use and reason for not using contraception in all reproductive women.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted including 825 postnatal women during March 2025 to August 2025 in department of obstetrics and gynaecology at AIIMS Jodhpur. The data was analysed using SPSS version 26.

Results A total of 825 postpartum women were included, predominantly aged 25-30 years (46.7%), Hindu (84.1%), and from middle socioeconomic status (75.8%). Awareness of contraception was high (93.5%), with condoms being the most commonly known method (82.6%). However, only 68.2% had ever used contraception. Condoms (32%) and oral contraceptive pills (14.4%) were the most commonly used methods, while 31.1% used none. Fear of side effects (37%), partner/family opposition, and misconceptions regarding fertility and IUCD safety were major barriers. Contraceptive use was significantly associated with age, education, socioeconomic status, planned pregnancy, and prior LSCS.

Conclusions Despite high awareness of contraception among postpartum women, actual use remains suboptimal due to misconceptions, fear of side effects, and partner or family opposition. Targeted, structured counselling integrated into antenatal and postnatal care is essential to bridge the knowledge–practice gap and improve postpartum contraceptive uptake.