Knowledge, attitude and practices of contraception amongst married women

ABSTRACT

Background: Aim of current study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of contraceptives amongst married women of reproductive age group.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in obstetrics and gynaecology out door patient department (OPD) of SMGS hospital Jammu. 100 married women aged between 15-45 years were included in this study. Along with the sociodemographic characteristics of the women, their knowledge, attitude /86*and practices on contraception were evaluated with the help of predesigned questionnaire.Results: It was observed that out of 100 women, majority of them were Hindu (58%), higher secondary educated (21%), housewives (45%) and belonged to low socio economic status (36%). 88% females had knowledge about contraceptive methods that was mainly obtained from health workers (59%) followed by media (23.8%) and social circle (14,7%). 38% women were practicing contraceptive methods, out of which most of them were using condom (39.4%) followed by Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) (21.05%), intra uterine contraceptive device (15.7%) etc. Though most of the women had knowledge about contraceptive methods majority (62%) had negative attitude towards family planning.Conclusions: In spite of having good knowledge, utilization of contraceptives was less because of religious myths and beliefs, fear of side effects, cultural and political barriers.