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Abstract
Introduction: Family planning is defined by WHO as a way of thinking and living that is adopted voluntarily, upon the basis of knowledge, attitudes, and responsible decisions by individuals and couples, to promote the health and welfare of family groups and thus contribute effectively to the social development of a country. The concept of “family planning” is valuable as it improves health through adequate spacing of birth, avoiding pregnancy at high-risk, maternal age and high parity. Awareness among women should be created about their rights and opinions about the size of their family. There is a need to create awareness among males as well.
Aims and Objectives: To determine the level of knowledge of females towards family planning and use of contraceptive methods
Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at the Allied hospitals of Rawalpindi medical University, i.e. Holy Family Hospital, Benazir Bhutto Hospital and District Headquarters Hospital from March 2022 to May 2022. Consecutive non random sampling technique was used. People were interviewed. Data was collected using a self-structured questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS V 22.
Results: A total of 162 people were interviewed. Out of the total population, 50% (n=81/162) responded when asked whether pill protects against HIV with “Maybe”, 38.3% responded with “No” and 11.7% responded with a “Yes”. A majority of 52 %(n=85/162) also responded with a Maybe when asked whether pill protects against vaginal infections followed by 33.3% with “No” and 14.2% with “Yes”. A majority of 32.1% (n=52/162) responded that the possibility of baby to become infected with HIV is also important to keep in mind while making the decision of whether or not to have a baby. A Majority of mothers 72.2% (n=117/162) also responded that their own health is the most important thing while making this decision.
Discussion and Conclusion: After we assessed the awareness and practice of mothers coming to obstetrics and gynecology wards of allied hospitals regarding family planning and the use of contraceptive methods; sadly the situation was so alarming that 54% of the mothers had never used any contraceptive technique. The data indicates a huge number of unplanned pregnancies and the overall situation is compounded by a cultural attitude of religious and medical superstition. To improve contraceptive use in Pakistan, multiple media sources should be used to educate the couples and their parents regarding contraceptive services, and strengthen the perception that religion not only allows but also recommends family planning.
MeSH Keywords: Mothers (D009035) Family Planning, Contraceptives, Knowledge