Awareness and practice of contraception among women of child bearing age in Chennai

Abstract

Aim: To assess the level of awareness and practice of contraception among women of child bearing age (15-49 years).

Introduction: India being the second most populous country in the world, family planning is an important tool in controlling various complications of health. It helps to avoid complications to both mother and child. It is only achieved through proper awareness and practice.

Material and methods: Cross-sectional study done at Chennai using structured questionnaire. It  consisted 169 women of child bearing age. Data was analysed statistically and evaluated.

Result: 81.7% of the total women were aware of the term contraception and 43.2% only practiced different methods of contraception. Awareness was low among adolescents and overall awareness on emergency contraception was only about 27.5%. Most of the women accepted that health education is needed.

Conclusion: Though majority are aware of contraception, more awareness is needed among adolescents and also knowledge on emergency contraception is important. Improving literacy and expanding health education for women is must. Eventually, good practice will be obtained among women.