ABSTRACT
Background: Unmet need for contraceptive is a hurdle in the way to achieve the goal of family planning in India. The present study was conducted to describe the socio-demographic characteristics, ascertain the knowledge-practice regarding contraceptives including natural methods and to assess the unmet need for contraceptives. Methods: In a cross-sectional design, 326 women were recruited [19-40 years] among mothers coming for immunization of their babies in the immunization clinic of RGKar Medical College, Kolkata, India. Considering response of wife as a proxy for the couple's contraceptive behaviour, only married fecund women were approached. A pre-tested questionnaire was dispensed. The study was conducted from April till June, 2010. Results: Contraceptive knowledge was universal and the practice was 92%. Natural/traditional methods were known to 80% and being used by a substantial number of participants [41%]. Of all the methods coitus interrupts [22%] ranked on the top closely followed by condom [20%]. Knowledge and overall practice of permanent methods were low [20%] and 3% participants knew about tubectomy and vasectomy while, only 13.5% adopted tubectomy. Overall, the unmet need for contraceptive was found to be 7% considering the use of all methods; 5% for spacing and 2% for limiting birth. Conclusion: Closing the gap between contraceptive need and practice requires increase in contraceptive options by incorporation of natural and traditional contraceptive methods which are safe and simple and should be promoted by healthcare providers
ABSTRACT
Effect of ethanolic extracts of Lawsonia inermis, Azadirachta indica, Vinca rosea, Tagetes patula, Ocimum sanctum, Colocasia antiquorum, Adhatoda vasica, Moringa oleifera, Datura metel and Curcuma longa leaf on conidial germination, mycelial growth and sporulation of Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and A. fumigatus were examined. The conidial germination of A. flavus and A. fumigatus were most inhibited by the extract of L. inermis, while that of A. niger was inhibited by A. indica. Other tested plant extracts have a good effect on conidial germination on the selected fungi. The highest mycelial growth of A. flavus (37 mm) was found in V. rosea, but in case of A. niger and A. fumigatus it (38 and 39 mm) was found in D. metel. The lowest (4, 9 and 6 mm) respectively mycelial growth of these fungi found in L. inermis. The highest sporulation (75 x 10(4)/ml) of A. flavus was counted in V. rosea, but in case of A. niger and A. fumigatus those (45 x 10(4) and 55 x 10(4)/ml) were in D. metel and the lowest (5 x 10(4), 12 x 10(4) and 9 x 10(4)/ml) respectively sporulation of these fungi counted in L. inermis plant extract medium.