Published on January 2017 | Public Health

Knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning methods among the rural females of Bagbahara block Mahasamund district in Chhattishgarh State, India

ABSTRACT Background If many women in Chhattisgarh are not using family planning, it is not due to a lack of knowledge. Knowledge of contraception is nearly universal; 98 percent of currently married women know at least one modern family planning method. Women are most familiar with female sterilization (97 percent), followed by male sterilization (86 percent), the pill (68 percent), the condom (55 percent), and the IUD (40 percent). About two out of every five women (43 percent) have knowledge of at least one traditional method. Yet only 45 percent of married women in Chhattisgarh are currently using some method of contraception, about the same as in Madhya Pradesh (44 percent) but less than the national average (48 percent). Contraceptive prevalence in Chhattisgarh is considerably higher in urban areas (59 percent) than in rural areas (42 percent). Objectives To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning methods, and factors that could affect their use, among the rural females of reproductive age group (15-49 years). Methods A total of 326 females of reproductive age group (15-49years) from the rural areas of Bagbahara block of Mahasamund district in Chhattisgarh state were selected randomly and interviewed with the help of a semi-structured interview schedule, which consists of demographic data, questions related to knowledge, attitude, and practice of different contraceptive methods and factors affecting the use of these methods. Results Most of the respondents (79%) were aware of at least one contraceptive method. The most common source of information on contraception was Health staffs (46%), followed by ASHA (Mitanin) workers (42.5%), media (7.5%) and relatives/friends (4%). Knowledge of non-contraceptive benefits of family planning methods was claimed by only 19% of the respondents, while knowledge about various adverse effects was reported by 32% of the respondents. About 62% of respondents showed favourable attitude towards family planning methods while other (34%) are against it and rest 4% didn’t responded. About 53% of respondents had ever used any family planning methods. 26% respondents were using contraceptive methods at the time of study. Intrauterine devices were the most commonly used method (46%) followed by condom (22%), female sterilization (21%) and oral contraceptive pills (11%). The most common reason for discontinuation of contraceptive methods was stated as refusal by husband and side effects. Conclusion This study reveals that with increase in level of education, awareness also increased. Most of the respondents have the considerable knowledge and favorable attitude towards contraceptive methods but a wide knowledge practice gap was evident in this study, which was similar to the findings of studies done in other developing countries. Improved female education strategies and better access to services are needed to solve these problems. The use of communication media suitable for the audience and the adequate message is important in conducting effective family planning awareness activities. Efforts should be made to educate the public about the safety and convenience of modern, long-term, reversible methods of contraception among both healthcare professionals and the public.