ACCEPTANCE OF MODERN METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION AND THEIR UTILISATION BY CAFETERIA APPROACH AMONG POSTPARTUM WOMEN WITH UNMET NEEDS FOR FAMILY PLANNING IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN SOUTH INDIA

Abstract

Background: Contraception is one of the basic fundamental right for every women of reproductive age to reduce unplanned pregnancies and promote  women health. The choice and time of initiation of contraception depends on women’s level of knowledge  regarding various modern methods. India is the first country to launch National Family Planning Program. In spite of availability of various modern contraceptive methods, usage of these methods is very low in developing countries like India. This study is done to find out the level of awareness of various contraceptive methods, and their acceptance and factors influencing their usage among postpartum women.

Materials & Methods: This is a Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology  at Government Maternity Hospital, Tirupati  among  500  women in their immediate and extended postpartum period upto  1 year of last child birth. Data was collected using a pre-designed, structured questionnaire after briefing the study and taking informed consent.  The level of awareness, acceptance and reasons for refusal collected.

Results: Majority of the women in the present study are in the age group of 21-25 years (50.8%) followed by 15-20 years(22.8%). About 35.8 % of women were educated upto intermediate and 32.8% of the women had secondary school  education. Unskilled work was the most common occupation among the study women comprising of 50.8%. Awareness regarding availability of various contraceptive methods  was present among  59.4% of the women and 40.6% were still unaware of contraceptives.  Majority of the women opted for permanent method i.e tubectomy (40%). About 33.8% opted for IUCD and 12% opted injectable Depot Medroxy progesterone acetate. OCP’s were opted by 8.3% women and only 5.3 % opted barrier methods (condom).

Conclusion: The level of awareness and acceptance for contraception among postpartum women  in developing countries like India is very low which may be mainly due to less education ,socioeconomic status, access to health care and religious beliefs. Effective Family Planning programs are to be conducted to improve knowledge and remove myths regarding contraception.