Awareness and practice of family planning methods in women attending gyne OPD at Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital.

A cross sectional descriptive study of awareness and practice of family planning methods among 200 women of reproductive age attending gynecology out patient department (GOPD) of Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital from 14th May 2008 to 14th July, 2008 was carried out. Most of the respondents (93.0%) were aware of at least one of family planning methods out often methods, but only 65.0% had ever used it and contraceptive prevalence rate was 33.5% which was slightly higher than the national data as 28.5%. The best known method of temporary contraception was depo provera (78.0%) followed by oral contraceptive pills (74.0%) and condom (71.0%) and least known methods were vaginal foam tablets/jelly (34.0%) and natural methods (16.0%). Among permanent family planning methods, awareness about female sterilization (81.0%) was more than male sterilization (77.0%) which was in accordance with studies done in other countries. Knowledge about emergency coritraception was quite low (12.0%) as it was newly introduced in the country. Regarding current use of contraception depo provera (11.0%) was the most widely used followed by oral contraceptive pills (4.5%) and condom (4.5%). 5.5% had undergone female sterilization while only 2.5% of male partner had sterilization Knowledge of non contraceptive benefits of family planning methods was claimed by only 35.0% of the respondents, 27.0% reported awareness that condoms protect from HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) while knowledge about various adverse effects was widespread (52.5%). The most common source of information on contraception was media (55.5%), both printed and electronic. This study also observed that with increase in level of education, awareness also increased. Although most of the women were aware about the methods, they were ignorant about the details like duration of protection, return of fertility on discontinuation and non contraceptive benefits. The most common reason for discontinuation of FP methods was stated as side effects. A wide knowledge practice gap was evident in this study, which was similar to the findings of studies done in other developing countries. Improved female education strategies and better access to services are needed to solve these problems. The use of communication media suitable for the audience and adequate message is important in conducting effective family planning awareness activities. Efforts should be made to educate the public about the safety and convenience of modern, long-term, reversible methods of contraception among both healthcare professionals and the public.

Study of anaemia in pregnancy and its outcome in Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Anaemia is the commonest problem in pregnancy in developing countries. It is defined by WHO as haemoglobin level less than 11 grams % in pregnancy. It is divided in to three degree mild degree (9.0-10.9 gm%), moderate degree (7.0-8.9 gm%) and severe degree(< 7.0 gm%). It carries a lot of threats to the mother as well as baby. This is a hospital based retrospective study done in Nepal medical college, teaching hospital (NMCTH) of Nepal among the women who came for regular antenatal check up and delivered in the same hospital as well. Total of 863 cases were recorded as complete record out of which 368 were anaemic and 495 were nonanaemic. The prevalence of anaemia was 42.6%. The birth weight, Apgar score at the time of birth, prevalence of preterm delivery and IUFD were more common in anaenic group than in nonanaemic group.