Contraceptive Knowledge, Attitude and Practice in Mewat Region A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Human fertility is determined by many factors such as customs, morals and habits of social groups with regard to marital obligation of life. Acceptance of family planning methods varies within and between societies and there are many factors which are responsible for such variation at community, family and individual level. Socioeconomic environment, culture and education are few of them that play a vital role. Mewat region in particular is a Muslim dominated population with traditionally conservative society. Apart from family customs and influence of the elders, religious background has always been behind the passive resistance, or at best indifferent towards contraception. Aims: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of contraception in Mewat region and to impart knowledge regarding family planning methods. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out in OPD of Gynecology department in SHKM Government medical college and hospital, Nuh (Mewat) in India. A total of 1900 currently married women in age group of 15-49 yr were included in the study during year 2014-15 who were interviewed by using a pretested oral questionnaire. Statistical Analysis used: Percentage, chi square test and bivariate analysis. Results: Knowledge of the contraceptive methods was fairly good especially for terminal methods i.e. female sterilization (97.7%). Main source of information on contraception was obtained. Contraceptive practice was significantly related to number of living children, literacy, socioeconomic status and type of family. Conclusion : What is needed is to promote and stress contraceptive methods and their advantages using mass media approach and to explore more and more participation of private sector.