ABSTRACT
To assess the knowledge and practice of contraceptives in females of reproductive age group. Cross sectional descriptive. OPD of Fauji Foundation Hospital from February 2008 - September 2008. 339 females of age b/w of 15-49 years attending OPD of Fauji Foundation Hospital were included in study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Eighty eight percent of the females in our study sample were familiar with one or more methods of contraception [72.7% were familiar with combined oral contraceptive pill [COCP], 60.7% were aware of intra uterine contraceptive device [IUCD] and 76% knew about condoms] whereas 12% showed ignorance. 64.4% of the study population was contraceptive users and 35.4% were not using any method of contraception. Regarding preferred method of contraception 34.6% of females said they are using COCP, about 21.8% females said their tubes had been liagated whereas 26.9% and 16.7% were using IUCD and condoms respectively. Almost 46% of our study population said that contraceptive method they were using was suggested by their husbands, 44% said by health professional. Only 10% of the study population were using a method of their own choice. The present study concludes that there is a gap between knowledge [88%] and use [64.6%] of contraceptives among females of reproductive age group. Another important inference drawn from the study is that men should be made equal targets of such programs in Pakistan since 46% females in our study population were using method of contraceptive suggested by their husband