Salonee
Doctor
Title: Knowledge and factors influencing the contraceptive use among postnatal women attending a government hospital, Mangalore
Biography
Biography: Salonee
Abstract
Introduction: Family planning methods are used by many women in developing countries to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Lack of knowledge and about contraceptives could act as barriers to use of contraceptive among many women leading to unplanned pregnancies. We explore the knowledge and factors influencing contraceptive use among the postnatal women attending government hospital. Methodology: A prospective study was conducted at District Govt. Hospitalization Mangalore over a period of 4months. Postnatal mothers with unplanned and planned pregnancies (1:2) were interviewed after 2nd postnatal day using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was entered and analysed using SPSS 11.5. Chi-square test was applied and p≤0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 165 postnatal women were included in the study of which 55 women had unplanned pregnancy and 110 planned pregnancies. Mean age was 26.03(±4.90) and 26.4(±3.82) for mothers with unplanned and planned pregnancies respectively. Forty two percent (23/55) of mothers with unplanned pregnancies were para one when compared to 59% (65/110) among women with planned pregnancies. Eleven percent (6/55) of mothers with unplanned pregnancy were illiterates as compared to 2.7% (3/110) women with planned pregnancies. Lack of knowledge about oral contraceptives as birth control measure (78 % and 91%: p=.0.03); emergency contraceptives (5.5% and 20% p=0.02); male sterilization (65% and 86%: p=0.04).Women with unplanned and planned pregnancies were aware of female sterilization as birth control measure (78% and 93%: p=0.11). Other factors included embarrassment to discuss about contraceptives with healthcare provider (38% and 21%: p=0.04); embarrassment to ask for birth control pills (38% and 23%: p=0.06); partner not agreeing for use of birth control pills (45% and 34%: p=0.03); assumption that breast feeding prevents pregnancy (15% and 2%: p=0.003) respectively between the groups. Conclusion: The findings suggest that postnatal women lack knowledge about family planning methods and also expressed hesitation to discuss about contraceptives. Hence, the need for effectively utilize postnatal stay in the hospital to provide information and resolve misconceptions related to contraceptives.