Knowledge, attitude, practices and behavior of women towards contraceptive use-a study of women attending north Indian rural hospital Dr. Kaur Harpreet1,*, Dr. Mohan Parveen2, Dr. Pathak Nayana3, Dr. Manocha Apurv4, Dr. Aayushi5 1MD, DNB, FNB, Assistant Professor, Deptt. Of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Gian Sagar Medical College & Hospital, Banur, Patiala. Punjab (India) 2MD, Professor, Deptt. Of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Gian Sagar Medical College & Hospital, Banur, Patiala. Punjab (India) 3MD, Associate Professor, Deptt. Of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Gian Sagar Medical College & Hospital, Banur, Patiala. Punjab (India) 4Intern, Deptt. Of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Gian Sagar Medical College & Hospital, Banur, Patiala. Punjab (India) 5Intern, Deptt. Of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Gian Sagar Medical College & Hospital, Banur, Patiala. Punjab (India) *Corresponding author: E-mail: drharpreet_sidhu@hotmail.com
Online published on 21 March, 2015. Abstract Aim Aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, practices and behavior of women regarding various contraceptive methods. Material & Methods It was a cross sectional study of 623 married women attending gynecology OPD of Gian Sagar Medical College & Hospital, Banur, Chandigarh (India). All participants were interviewed with a predesigned performa. Results Almost 90% of women were from rural area and upto two-thirds were illiterate, belonging to low socio-economic status. Awareness level about contraceptive methods was 55% among the participants and almost all of them knew about barrier & oral pills. Main source of knowledge was media followed by healthcare workers & social circle. Approximately 40% were currently using one or the other method of contraception. Barrier method was the most commonly used (64%) followed by oral pills (25%). Main reason for not using contraception was unawareness. Conclusion There is need to create awareness about the benefits of contraception. This can be achieved by strong motivation and counseling of couples. Top Keywords Contraception, Knowledge, Attitude, Behavior. Top |