Contraceptive awareness and its determinants for use among women of reproductive age: A cross sectional study

Introduction: According to the WHO, family planning is an approach to thinking and living that people and couples freely adopt in order to enhance their health and welfare based on their knowledge, attitude, and responsible choices. Each year, incorrect use of contraceptives or their failure to work as intended results in around one-third of unwanted births. The obstacles that exist in poorer nations include a lack of awareness about contraceptive techniques, the availability of supplies, their cost, or their inadequate accessibility.

Method: This was a cross sectional study; conducted to asses o contraception awareness, acceptance, and adoption among women of reproductive age. Women who attended/delivered at the Saidham Hospital affiliated to Dr. Mane Medical Foundation and Research Centre (DMMFARC) Maharashtra, India were included. Face-to-face interviews were conducted while data were collected using a structured questionnaire.

Result: Out of total 359 total women the majority 115 (32.02%) belonged to the 21–25 age group, while 197 (54.87%) were housewives, 112 (31.19%) had higher secondary education, 201 (54.98%) belonged to the lower socioeconomic class and were BPL cardholders, 191 (52.20%) belonged to rural areas, and Hindu populations contributed 182 (50.69%). Furthermore,165 (45.96%) study participants had one child, and 21 (5.84%) had a history of one abortion. occupation, level of education, socioeconomic class, area of residence, and religion showed statistically significant relationships with contraception usage.

Conclusion: The present study concludes that the majority of women of reproductive age still do not use contraceptives and their opinion is not taken into account. More similar studies are needed to ascertain the determinants of contraceptive use and such knowledge can be used to formulate specific health education needed for adoption of family planning methods.