Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice about Family Planning Methods among Reproductive Age Group Women in a Tertiary Care Institute

Introduction: India was one of the first countries to launch a national program on family planning (FP). However, today, India is the second most populous country in the world, ranking next only to China, with a population of 1.21 billion according to the year 2011 census. The population of India is estimated to overtake that of China by the year 2050. Because India has a socio-culturally and demographically mosaic pattern, various factors influence the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of FP methods across the country. Hence, this study was undertaken. Objectives of the Study: To assess the KAP about FP methods among reproductive age group women attending a private tertiary care institute. Materials and Methods: The design of the study was cross-sectional study. Patients attending Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, BLDE Hospital, Vijayapura were taken as the study population. The study duration was 15th January to 15th February 2016. Data collection methodology was in the form of interview technique, using a pre-designed, pre-tested questionnaire. Results: A total of 110 patients attending out-patient department were interviewed. Women aged more than 25 years, residing in urban areas, belonging to joint families had significantly higher knowledge about FP methods. Positive attitude toward FP methods was more among women who were Hindu by religion. Conclusions: This study shows that there are various socio-demographic factors affecting the KAP of FP methods among women. These aspects need to be duly addressed to bring about improvement in the reproductive health of women.