Publication:

Knowledge, attitude and practices of contraception among married women

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

Methods A cross sectional study was conducted in obstetrics & gynaecology (obs. & gynae) out door patient department (OPD), North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences, Shillong, Meghalaya. 200 married women aged between 15-45 years were included in this study. Along with the socio-demographic characteristics of the women, their knowledge, attitude and practices on contraception were evaluated with the help of predesigned questionnaire.

Results It was observed that out of 200 women, majority of them were Christian (52%), illiterate (26.5%), housewife (43.5%) and belong to low socio economic status (31.5%). 174 (87%) had knowledge about contraceptive methods and it was mainly obtained from health workers (58.6%) followed by media (24.1%) and social circle (15.5%). 76 (38%)women were practicing contraceptive methods, out of which most of them were using condom (38.2%) followed by Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) (27.6%), intra uterine contraceptive device (15.8%) etc. Though most of the women had knowledge about contraceptive methods majority of male 55.5% and female 51.5% were showing negative attitude towards family planning.

Conclusions The study showed, inspite of having good knowledge, utilization of contraceptives were less because of large family norm, religious myth, cultural & political barrier.