Study of knowledge, attitude and practices of contraception in breast-feeding mothers

Abstract

Background: In India, as in many other countries, postpartum family planning is usually initiated after 6 weeks postpartum. Early resumption of sexual activity coupled with early and unpredictable ovulation leads to many unwanted pregnancies in the first year postpartum. Increase in hospital deliveries provides an excellent opportunity to sensitize women and provide effective contraception. Hence the present study was done at our tertiary care centre to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice regarding contraception and to find out the relationship between knowledge and attitude regarding contraception among breast feeding mothers.Methods: A hospital based observational study. The patients admitted at our tertiary care centre in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.Results: Majority of the participants (72%) were in the age group of 21-25 years. 21.2% of the study group was educated up to primary level while 33.2% and 18.4% of the participants studied till SSC and HSC respectively. Majority of participants were from middle class (50%) followed by lower class (36.4%) and upper class (13.6%). 69.6% participants resided in rural areas while 30.4% participants were from urban areas. It was observed that age, education and mode of delivery were the significant factors.Conclusions: As the government gives incentives to couples who opt for permanent sterilization, which is an effective drive, it should also give incentives to couples who follow temporary methods and delay pregnancies. Couples who adopt one child norm or 2 children norm should be encouraged by benefits either in the form of children’s education or health insurance.