A Study on the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Contraception in Postpartum Women of North India

Dr Jayati Nath, Dr Farzana Islam

Abstract: Aim of the study This study was undertaken to evaluate the knowledge and attitude about contraception in postpartum women in a tertiary care medical college in North India. Materials & Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in the department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology of Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Science & Research (MMIMSR), Ambala, Haryana between January 2014 and January 2015. Five hundred (500) postpartum and post-abortal women were randomly selected, subjected to our detailed, pre-formatted questionnaire and were questioned and counselled about various methods of contraception. Their knowledge and awareness about emergency contraception pill and MTPill were also noted. Results & Observations In our study we observed that only 72 % of the ladies had heard about various methods of contraception. Most patients knew about IUCD & OCPs. Most patients came to know about contraception from television & doctors and other healthcare givers. After proper counselling, 95 % patients opted for IUCDs, barrier method ( male condom) and injection DepoProvera. Only 25 % patients knew about emergency contraceptive pill and 36 % patients had knowledge about MTPill. Conclusion There is a great lacuna in the awareness of contraception, emergency contraception and medical abortion in the women under study. Regular detailed and proper counselling is a must to all postpartum and post-abortal women. Women should be given the cafeteria approach for contraception by providing detailed and comprehensive information about the various methods available and they should be given a choice to choose the method of contraception best suited to their needs, which will help improve the general health of the women and their children.

Keywords: contraception, emergency contraception, knowledge, MTPill, post-abortal women, post-partum women