Knowledge Index of Contraceptives among Married Women Residing in Rural Area - A Cross Sectional Study

Introducion: Knowledge of Married women regarding different methods of contraception is an important determinant of their use. Poor knowledge of contraceptives leads to less use of contraceptive methods, which leads to unintended pregnancy. Many such pregnancies end up with mistimed or unwanted births or abortion. Many of such abortions are clandestine, contributing to maternal mortality and morbidity. One of the consequences of unregulated fertility is unplanned population growth.

Objectives: To know the knowledge index of contraceptives among married women residing in rural area.

Material and Method: 400 married women were chosen from one Primary Health Centre using Population Proportion to size method and then systematic sampling method. Data was collected by giving house to house visit and with the help of pre tested questionnaire. Knowledge index was calculated for each contraceptive, Knowledge index was calculated by using formula, KI = Actual Score/ Maximum score X 100. Data was analysed by using percentages and Chi square test.

Result: Without prompting, about 60 % knew about tubectomy. 68% of participants did not know about Oral contraceptives, 80% about condom and CuT. On prompting more than 90% of married women could mention one or the other method of contraception. Better knowledge of Contraceptives was positively associated with education, socio economic status and distance from Primary Health Centre.

Conclusion: Knowledge of married women about temporary contraceptives was poor in spite of their availability in health facilities within their vicinity.