A study of contraceptive knowledge amongst women with unmet needs

Abstract

Aim: To study knowledge about contraceptive methods in women with unmet need. Materials and Methods: Across sectional study was conducted in the Immunization Clinic, of our institute, among1000marriedwomenof reproductive age group using questionnaire method. Analysis was carried out using SPSS. Results: 16% of women of reproductive age had unmet need. 98.2%of the women knew of at least one method of contraception. Knowledge about the number of different types of contraceptives was more in urban population as compared to rural population But eveninruralareas,96.9%ofthewomenknewaboutatleast onemethod.8.75%knew nothing about the availability of the contraceptive methods. Knowledge of availability of contraceptives was more in urban (98.5%) as compared to rural population (86.2%). In rural area, 13 women did not have any knowledge about the availability of contraceptive methods while in urban areas only one (1.515%) woman did not know about the same. Conclusion: Inspite of high level of knowledge on contraception, unmet need still exists. Knowledge may be deficient or there could be other reasons for unmet need. There is a need to study in more detail the social and cultural factors that determine contraceptive use.