Asian Research Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics

Purpose of the Study: The main aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, prevalent attitude and practices about various contraceptives, regarding family planning, to study the factors affecting contraceptive use and to find out reasons for not adopting contraception.

Study Design & Methods: It is a cross sectional observational study conducted in the OPD of OBG, SMC&H, Ghaziabad where 408 married women between 18-45 years were randomly interviewed (after taking informed consent) with predesigned questionnaire about their knowledge, attitude and practice of contraception in order to understand the reasons for the wide gap between knowledge and practice of contraception.

Results: The study revealed a modest percentage of overall knowledge about methods of contraception, 73.3% women knew at least one method of contraception but only 54.4% were using some sort of contraception, the main source of knowledge being social interactions with friends/relatives. Maximum awareness (84.1%) was seen among females aged 31-35 years. Working women were more aware and used contraceptives more as compared to Non-working females. We found that contraceptive awareness and use increased with the increase in the parity, educational status, socio-economic status and employment of a woman. Common method preferred was barrier method (41%).

Conclusion: Although the participants were quite aware about family planning but sizeable proportions are yet to adopt a method. Effective counselling through extensive information, education and communication activities may help to remove some of the myths and misconceptions that may ultimately result in bridging the existing gap between the greater knowledge and lesser practice. An educational and motivational activity from doctors and health workers, regular supply of contraceptives and effective FP services is needed to promote the use of contraception.