Publication:

Knowledge attitude and practice of contraceptives in married women in a tertiary care

Background To estimate the knowledge, attitude and practice of contraception among women attending postpartum OPD.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Obstetrics and Gynecology outpatient department Government medical college Srinagar. Sample size of 200 patients attending post-partum OPD were taken and questioned using a questionnaire. Questions were asked regarding age, educational status, parity, knowledge, practice of contraceptives and reasons for non-use of contraceptives.

Results 63% of patients were aware of any contraceptive. Among contraceptives most common known contraceptive was OCP’s (62%) followed by female sterilization (52%) and Intrauterine devices (51%). Only 21% were aware of male sterilization. Implants were known to only 5% of patients. Awareness of emergency contraceptives was seen in only 18.5% of patients. Among patients having awareness of contraceptives most common used method was OCP’s (73%) followed by barrier, IUD’s (48%) and injectable (44%).

Conclusions The study highlights that awareness does not always lead to the use of contraceptives. A lot of educational and motivational activities and improvement in family planning services are needed to promote the use of contraceptives and reduce the high fertility rate.