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

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.