OBJECTIVE:To assess the needs of contraception and usage of contraception by finding knowledge, attitude regarding family planning and the practice of contraceptives among rural women of India. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY:The gynaecological outpatient clinic of SGT Hospital, Budhera, Gurgaon, Haryana from January to June 2014. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 100 women between the ages 15-45, living with their husbands and coming from rural area (villages) were interviewed. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Women who were pregnant 2. Women having a child younger than 2 years 3. Women having any medical disorder Their knowledge, attitude and practice on contraceptives were evaluated with the help of a predesigned and pretested questionnaire. The other variables used were the age of women, parity and educational status. Descriptive analysis was conducted to obtain percentages. RESULTS: Out of 100 interviewed women most women were in 21-30years age group, 36% women were completely illiterate, and 64% had primary education. 52% were <3 parity. Out of 100 women interviewed 80 (80%) had heard/aware of family planning method (permanent/temporary). Out of 80 women, who had knowledge and awareness of family planning methods about 34(42.5%), 20(25%) and 26(32.5%) got information from media, health personal and social circle (husband, mother/ in laws) respectively. Out of 100 women interviewed, 58(58%) were practicing different contraceptive methods. Tubal ligation, barrier contraception, IUCD were used by 20(34.48%) 15(25.86%), and 12(20.68) respectively in order of preference. The main reason of using contraception was completion of their family in 30(51.72%). Only 15(25.86%) women used various methods for spacing. Only 7(12.06%) used OCP as a contraceptive method. Positive attitude towards contraception was shown by 72(72%) of women, while 44(44%) stated their husbands' positive attitude towards contraception. CONCLUSION: The study highlights that there is a need to increase knowledge and awareness but knowledge and awareness do not always lead to a positive attitude towards the use of contraceptives. To increase the number of couples using contraception there has to be a combined approach to increase knowledge, awareness, positive attitude and great motivation and support from health department. There appears a need for continuing education about sexuality and contraception. Also there is a need to motivate the youth for effective and appropriate use of contraceptives and arrest the trend towards unwanted pregnancy and increase in population. There is need for focused awareness program based on the knowledge gaps reported among women in reproductive age group.

No abstract