IJCM_90A: Knowledge about newer contraceptives among health care personnel working in primary health centres in north coastal district of Andhra Pradesh- a Cross sectional analytical study

Abstract

Background: According to NFHS -5 the contraceptive prevalence rate has 67%. The unmet need for contraception is two-pronged: a spacing method and a permanent method. A Newer Oral contraceptive pill Chhaya is suitable for both of these purposes. Another newer injectable contraceptive available as Antara. Both are having less side effects. Government of India supplies free of cost. But its current acceptance rates are lower than expected. Health Care Personnel are the key persons to educate, promote and create awareness on contraceptive acceptance in the community especially, Eligible Couple. Hence this study was conducted to assess the knowledge of grassroot level of Health Care Personnel. Objectives: 1. To assess the knowledge of field Health Care Personnel on Newer Contraceptives. 2. To compare the knowledge among Health Care Personnel in Urban and Rural PHCs. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 100 Health care personnel (5 Urban & 5 Rural PHCs) of North coastal district, Andhra Pradesh during November 2023 by simple random sampling with prevalence 50% and with allowable error 10%. Those who are willing, included in the study after taking written informed consent. Knowledge was categorized as Poor, Fair, Good. Data was collected by using pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Data was entered and analyzed using MS Excel and SPSS 21. Prior approval from institutional educational committee was obtained. Results: Mean age of study population is 38 ± 17 years. Mean service was 8.4 ± 9 years. 72% of study population were =10th standard.39.8% of the health care personnel have fair knowledge and 60.2% of health care personnel have poor knowledge on newer contraceptives. Fair Knowledge was more among urban study subjects. Conclusion: Knowledge about contraceptive was inadequate in majority of health care personnel. It should be enhanced by conducting scrupulous training programs.