Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Family Planning in Antenatal Women in a Tertiary Care Hospital during COVID-19 Pandemic: Indian Perspective

Authors: Katke RD*, Nawarange S and Chinchoriya S

DOI: 10.23880/oajg-16000215

Volume 6, Issue 2

Abstract

Introduction: Family Planning is an essential element of the reproductive lifespan of a woman. It modifies and has an important impact on the life of a woman because it leads to increased morbidity and mortality following unwanted pregnancies, increased rates of abortions and further maternal complications. Hence awareness and a proper knowledge of the various available contraceptive choices to the women is important to modify the current scenario. Hence this study aims at studying the knowledge of Antenatal women, their attitude and practices being followed by them with respect to contraception. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was given to the 100 Antenatal women attending the Outpatient Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Grant Government Hospital, Mumbai. Results: The results of this study depicted the importance of education, residential area and effect of COVID pandemic on the further reduction in the use of contraceptive measures available. The main reasons for low acceptance of contraception included Desire of early contraception in 24%, Lack of knowledge of contraceptive methods in 23% and apprehension for side effects of the contraception in 13% of the cases. Among the 15% of the women who were unaware of the available contraceptive methods, were willing to use the barrier contraceptives and IUCD and female sterilization. Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of social awareness and education and women employment in order to increase the use of contraceptive methods available.

Keywords: Contraceptive Methods; Family Planning; COVID -19 Pandemic; Post-Partum Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device (PPIUCD); Female Sterilization

View PDF