Knowledge, beliefs and misconceptions regarding contraceptive use amongst women reporting with history of induced abortion

ABSTRACT

To assess the knowledge, beliefs and misconceptions influencing contraceptive use amongst rural women reporting with septic induced abortion in a university hospital in Rawalpindi. A hospital based cross sectional study. The Gynecological unit of Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi. Study Period 1[st] May 2002 to 31[st] May 2005. A total of 100 patients with history of septic induced abortion was included in this study In order to collect complete information regarding knowledge, beliefs and misconceptions about contraceptive use a detailed interview of both the partners were taken separately and a special proforma was filled up. Amongst the 100 women included in this study only 15% had their education uptil primary level and most of them were housewives. 58% of the couples agreed to adopting such a dangerous method to limit the size of their family while 21% had financial restraints. Amongst the husbands 63% showed complete ignorance about any contraception. Knowledge of women was slightly better with complete ignorance in only 38%. Fear of side effects [45%] was a major factor for not using contraceptives while the ignorance factor was found in 36%. Severe morbidities included 11% of women undergoing laparotomy while 74% had to undergo a repeat evacuation for retained products of conception [POCs]. There was one maternal mortality in our study due to tetanus. Information regarding contraceptive methods is very scarce and incorrect. leading to increased number of unwanted pregnancies culminating in induced abortions and climaxing in severe maternal morbidities and even mortalities