DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2015.v03i03.095

Pages: 1505-1508

A cross sectional study was carried among 300 women attending antenatal OPD in GMCH, where they were interviewed with a pre designed questionnaire after taking informed consent. 36.3% were aware about the need of birth spacing and limiting the number of childbirth while 4% knew the benefits of birth spacing. 92.4% women were aware of at least one method of contraception. OCPs were the most heard about method and healthcare providers were the main source of information. Only 42% cases had ever practiced contraception with most of them using OCPs. The main reason for not using contraception was lack of awareness about need and benefit of contraceptive practice, about various methods and fear of side effects and husband’s unwillingness. The study reveals that more efforts are required to educate and motivate couples for contraceptive practice so that they can avail the health benefits of healthy spacing and limiting childbirth which is an essential measure in reducing maternal & perinatal mortality and morbidity along with population stabilisation.