Knowledge, attitude and practice of medicated contraception among females of reproductive age group

Abstract

Background & objectives: Lack of knowledge of contraception has lead to increased maternal mortality, morbidity due to unsafe abortion. Hence our study was aimed to determine knowledge, attitude and practice of contraception and impact of socio-economic status on knowledge of contraceptive methods among women of reproductive age group.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire based study was conducted in antenatal clinic and postpartum unit of tertiary care hospital. Patients were interviewed regarding knowledge, attitude and practice of contraceptive use.  Socio-economic status was calculated using modified Kuppuswamy’s socio-economic scale.                                                                                                Results: Total 1312 women aged around 23 years were interviewed. Majority (84.29%) were aware of contraceptive methods, only 25.86% had ever used contraceptives. Among users 72.05% used oral combined contraceptive pill, 27.95% used intra uterine contraceptive device. Those who didn’t have knowledge about contraception, 61.22% belong to upper-lower class, 24.48% to lower class and 14.28% to lower-middle class. Those having knowledge, 51.33% belong to lower-middle class, 32.32% to upper-lower class, 14.83% to lower class and 1.52% to upper-middle class. Only 1.28% had knowledge about emergency contraception among which no one had ever used.

Discussion: Majority had high level of contraceptive awareness but contraceptive usage is shockingly low, especially among people of lower socioeconomic status.  Knowledge regarding emergency contraception was negligible. We need to take measures to raise awareness regarding proper usage of the conventional contraceptive methods and also to make people aware about emergency contraception to prevent increased maternal mortality and morbidity due to unsafe abortion.

KEYWORDS: Emergency contraception, Kuppuswamy’s socio-economic scale, Oral contraceptive pill, Intra uterine contraceptive device