Awareness and Practice of Contraception in Child Bearing Age Women

Background: To assess the awareness and usage ofvarious methods of family planning among thechild bearing age married women .Methods: In this cross sectional study marriedfemales (n=524) between 15-45 years of age wereselected .Information was obtained regardingknowledge and pattern of utilizing family planning(FP) services. The source of knowledge either frommedia, family members or friends was noted.Information regarding contraceptive methods likenatural, barrier, pills, injectable hormones,intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD), orpermanent method like vasectomy and tubal ligationwas assessed. The reason for selection of thecontraceptive method was asked. The reason for nonpracticeFP was also asked.Results Mean age of the female was 34.12±7.43years. Majority (89%) of the women had awarenessabout contraception and is practised by 51%.. Barriermethod was the most practiced (37.8%) followed bypills (18%) and intra-uterine contraceptive device(17%). Health professionals were the major source ofinformation (64%) while media had least role (7%).About 43% were those who never used anycontraceptive method and those who stoppedmethod later was due to husband disagreement(33%) or due to fear of side effects (>29%).Conclusion. Despite having knowledge, there is awide gap between awareness and practice ofcontraception. One of the major factors amongreasons of non-use of contraception is husband disagreementand fear of side effects. Role of mediashould be encouraged by government to increase thepractice of contraception.