Knowledge, source and practice of spacing methods of contraception among eligible women of Varanasi slums

Background: Still many Indian states observe low spaced births and high fertility; mostly contributed by disadvantaged society. Factors influencing are entrenched in ignorance, male child desire and traditional culture to some extent. Aim and Objectives: To determine knowledge and practice of spacing methods of contraception and the associated socio-demographic variables. Methods and Material: A community based cross-sectional study on 590 eligible couples of slum of Varanasi, by two stage stratified random sampling. Statistical analysis used: Knowledge and practice were described in percent and the associated factors identified by logistic regression. Significance was judged at alpha = 0.05. Results: Overall knowledge of any spacing methods was in only 61.2% women and practice ever in married life was 44.4%; those knowing methods, ever practice was only 66.2%. Knowledge was mostly through husband for condom, health professional for Cu-T and oral pills. Conclusion: Eligible couples of slum community need knowledge of contraception as well as motivation to practice spacing methods to reduce higher level of fertility.