Publication:

Awareness regarding birth spacing family planning methods among antenatal mothers

Background According to WHO, the ideal interval between two pregnancies is 24 months. In India the contraceptive needs of young couples especially in the area of spacing pregnancies is largely unmet. Hence this study is undertaken to know the pre-existing knowledge of our antenatal population regarding contraceptive methods available for birth spacing. Aim of the study was to the knowledge and attitude regarding birth spacing family planning methods among antenatal mothers.

Methods It was a cross sectional study. Antenatal mothers attending the antenatal outpatient department of SBMCH, who are intending to have another child are invited to participate in this study. With informed consent, they are asked to fill a questionnaire, with questions regarding their knowledge and attitude towards the advantages and disadvantages of various contraceptive methods for birth spacing. The results of the study were analyzed by statistical analysis inrespect to various demographic factors of the population.

Results Total 92%of antenatal mothers were aware of health benefits associated with birth spacing. Yet only 45% were willing to adopt a method of contraception. Condoms is the most commonly preferred method for contraception (33.3%) and fear for side effects (43%) is the most common reason for not accepting a particular method of contraception.

Conclusions Though the awareness regarding the need and methods available for birth spacing methods of are widely prevalent in our urban based population, there is still a high percentage of mothers with misconceptions regarding the side effects associated with the birth spacing methods. Hence health education and counselling would improve the acceptance of contraceptive methods for birth spacing.