A study on awareness and behavior of women towards contraceptive use among women attending tertiary care center in northern Andhra Pradesh, India

A study on awareness and behavior of women towards contraceptive use among women attending tertiary care center in northern Andhra Pradesh, India Sridhar D.1, Swarnalatha M.2* DOI: https://doi.org/10.17511/joog.2020.i03.02 1 Daneti Sridhar, Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Great Eastern Medical School and Hospital, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India. 2* Mandugavalasa Swarnalatha, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Great Eastern Medical School and Hospital, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India.


Introduction
The fast-growing population is one of the main hazards to the development of India. India is the second-most populous country in the world and the rate of population growth is a matter of concern to the policymakers. even though India was one of the pioneers to start a family welfare program which started in the 1950s. [1,2,3]. In spite of the constant efforts by the government, the unmet need for contraception (12.8% in 2006 WHO report) is still there [4,5]. There are many social factors, taboos, myths, and ignorance, which is responsible for the underutilization of contraceptive services.
This leads to many unwanted pregnancies causing maternal morbidity and mortality. The use of effective contraception is one of the primary strategies to prevent maternal mortality and morbidity by decreasing unwanted pregnancies and abortions [6]. Understanding the contraceptive needs and practices of a particular community is essential to help policymakers design various policies. The present study was undertaken in patients attending gynaecology OPD for multiple reasons to know their attitude, behaviour, knowledge, and practice of contraceptive methods.

Material and Methods
The present study was a cross-sectional study More than one-third of the women were illiterate.
Most women had a single child at the time of the interview; this may be because the majority were in the adolescent age group of 20-30 years.
Approximately 10% had a gap of fewer than two years between children.  (Table 2). The main source of knowledge was Healthcare Workers followed by Media and Social circles (Table   3). More than one-fourth used oral pills and CuT use was quoted by 6.3%. Other less commonly used methods were sterilization, safe period, and coitus interruptus. (Table 4) The main reason for not using any contraceptive was Desirous for Conception (70.5%).
A few were either worried about side effects or husband was either unwilling to use contraception or was staying away. (Table 4) A total of 43.5% of participants were currently using contraception. The most commonly used method was barrier contraception (57.4%).
More than one-fourth used oral pills and CuT use quoted by 6.3%. Other less commonly used methods were sterilization, safe period, and coitus interruptus ( Table 4).
The main reason for not using any contraceptive was Desirous for Conception (70.5%).
A few were worried about side effects, or the husband was either unwilling to use contraception or was staying away (Table 4).

Discussion
Rapidly increasing population is a cause of concern in India and a significant hazard to the development of the nation. Avoiding unwanted pregnancies is of utmost importance as unwanted pregnancies and related complications are a significant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. counseling. Improving the regular use of contraception will help to decrease maternal morbidity and mortality and will be of help for the development of the nation in a long way.
What does the study add to the existing knowledge?
The present study clearly shows that male sterilization is not seen as an option of contraception by many women. Hence, more studies to be done at the community level to create better programs thereby minimizing the factors which lead to the prevention of contraception.