Title: Awareness and use of Contraceptive Methods in Women of Child Bearing Age Group: A Cross Sectional Study
Author: Dr Chetana A Gopchade
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i7.201
Abstract
Introduction: Contraception is important for reasons such as for wellbeing of women, controlling the explosion of population and for wellbeing of the children themselves. The choice of contraceptive methods must take into consideration efficacy, safety, non-contraceptive benefits, cost and personal likes and dislikes of the involved couple. The decision to use contraception depends upon factors such as motivation level, need and awareness of methods of contraception and the educational level of couple.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study in which 300 married and sexually active women of child bearing age group were included. Demographic details of all the patients were noted. Type of contraceptive methods used currently and duration since when it was being used was also noted. The level of knowledge about common contraceptive methods such as condoms, oral contraceptive pills, intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) natural methods and permanent methods such as tubectomy and vasectomy was assessed. The data was tabulated and analyzed using Minitab Version 17 software. For statistical purposes P value less than 0.005 was taken as statistically significant.
Results: Out of the studied cases most common age group was between 26-30 years. Out of 300 women 172 (57.33%) women were using some or the other form of contraception while 128 (42.66%) women were not using any method. The most common contraceptive methods used were tubectomy (Permanent sterilization) which was being used by 71 (23.67%) patients followed by barrier methods (11.33%), safe period method (7.33%), oral contraceptive pills (6%), intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD) (5%) and emergency contraception (4%). Educational qualification was found to be the most significant determining factor for using contraceptives. 10 women were found to be completely unaware of methods of contraception.
Conclusion: Contraception is an important part of healthy sexual life of women of child bearing age group. The choice of contraceptive method must be chosen carefully taken in to consideration individual factors. Increasing educational level has a direct impact on use of contraceptive methods.
Keywords: Contraception, Women of child bearing age, Educational level, awareness.
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