Comparison of the knowledge, attitudes toward, and practices of contraception between Thai Muslim women living in Bangkok and those living in the southernmost provinces of Thailand

Abstract

Abstract Background There are limited data on the use of contraception by Thai Muslim women. Objectives To compare and explore the knowledge, attitudes toward, and practices (KAP) of contraception between Thai Muslim women living in Bangkok and those living in the Southernmost provinces. Variables associated with KAP were also examined. Methods This was a community-based cross-sectional study, which was conducted in the Muslim communities in Bangkok and those in the southernmost provinces of Thailand including Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. A multistage, cluster sampling technique was used to identify participants. Only literate Thai Muslim women who lived in their hometown, and aged between 15–49 years were included in the analysis. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess participants’ KAP of contraception. Results Data from 423 participants were analyzed. Knowledge and attitude scores between the two groups were comparable. A higher proportion of women from the southernmost provinces used contraceptives. However, when a multivariate regression model was used to adjust for other variables, women’s geographical residence was not associated with higher knowledge and attitude scores, or contraceptive practices. College-level education and higher income level were independent factors associated with contraceptive knowledge. A higher knowledge score was independently related to a positive attitude towards contraception. Only number of children and income level were independently associated with contraceptive practices. Conclusions For Thai Muslim women, geographical residence was not significantly associated with KAP of contraception. The educational level, income level, and number of children of the women played major roles in KAP of contraception.