Contraceptive knowledge and use in rural Naga Hammady, Upper Egypt

ABSTRACT

This study included all currently married women of reproductive age in El-Siad village [8I2] and its two satellites; Naga El-Sheikh [138] and Ezbet El-Bosa [437]; i.e. a total of 1387 women. A house-to-house survey was done using a predesigned questionnaire which was administered to all eligible women to determine the factors affecting knowledge and use of contraceptives in this part of upper Egypt. Results revealed that family planning knowledge is very high [90.0%], while the use is very low [12%]. Oral pills and lUDs are the most commonly used methods of contraception; and the main source for obtaining these methods is the pharmacy and private clinics. The survey showed that wide prevalence of radio and / or T.V. sets, which deliver family planning message regularly, is behind the high percentage of contraceptive knowledge. Illiteracy, early age at marriage and lack of family planning services particularly in rural areas are among the factors contributing to low contraceptive use. Attempts to reduce fertility should be directed towards extending the use of modern methods of contraceptives as a short term policy. But on the long run, raising women status in general is the best way to reduce fertility