Publication:

Knowledge, attitude and practices of contraception amongst married women

Background Aim of current study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of contraceptives amongst married women of reproductive age group.

Methods A cross sectional study was conducted in obstetrics and gynaecology out door patient department (OPD) of SMGS hospital Jammu. 100 married women aged between 15-45 years were included in this study. Along with the sociodemographic characteristics of the women, their knowledge, attitude /86*and practices on contraception were evaluated with the help of predesigned questionnaire.

Results It was observed that out of 100 women, majority of them were Hindu (58%), higher secondary educated (21%), housewives (45%) and belonged to low socio economic status (36%). 88% females had knowledge about contraceptive methods that was mainly obtained from health workers (59%) followed by media (23.8%) and social circle (14,7%). 38% women were practicing contraceptive methods, out of which most of them were using condom (39.4%) followed by Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) (21.05%), intra uterine contraceptive device (15.7%) etc. Though most of the women had knowledge about contraceptive methods majority (62%) had negative attitude towards family planning.

Conclusions In spite of having good knowledge, utilization of contraceptives was less because of religious myths and beliefs, fear of side effects, cultural and political barriers.