English

Abstract

In developing countries, 55 million unintended pregnancies occur every year to women not using contraceptive method; another 25 million occur as a result of incorrect or inconsistent use of contraceptives. Family planning programme have met with only marginal success, because people of India have different demographic profile. OBJECTIVE: To study KAP regarding various contraceptive methods and factors affecting its use. DESIGN: Observational, Cross sectional study. SETTING: S.S. Medical College & Associated G.M. Hospital, Rewa. PARTICIPANTS: 500 women of age 15 to 45 years. METHODS: Women were interviewed using pre-structured questionnaire, counseled regarding correct usage and explained the truth and myths to correct their attitude. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Univariate and bivariate analysis was done using chi-square test and percentage by SPSS20. RESULTS: Knowledge of contraception was maximum for sterilization 99%, abstinence 98%, barrier 97.4%; and less for OCPs, safe period and LAM. Para1 and 2 had better knowledge of OCPs, IUCDs and DMPA than multipara who know more about permanent methods(100%). 54.4% obtained information from mass media. 68% obtained family planning services from government facility. Majority (60.8%) had positive attitude. 22.4% women discussed contraception with their husband. 55.6% women used some method of contraception, barrier (66.1%) being most common. 71.8% women had myths or other barriers to use contraceptives. CONCLUSION: Knowledge and preference for contraception varies widely with different phases of reproductive life. In rural areas, socio- cultural constrains are strong, hindering people to practice contraception. Efforts should be made to educate people to bring out major changes in attitude and practice.