Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Family Planning Methods Among the Rural Females of Bagbahara Block Mahasamund District in Chhattisgarh State

Objective: 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 (15-49years).

Methods: A total of 326 females of reproductive age group (15-49years) from the rural areas of Bagbahara were selected randomly, interviewed with the help of 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 atleast one contraceptive method. The most common source of information on contraception was Health staffs (46%). Knowledge of non contraceptive benefits of familyplanning 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 familyplanning. 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). 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 favourable 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.