Contraceptive knowledge and practices in two districts of Sindh, Pakistan: a hospital based study.

OBJECTIVE

To assess contraceptive knowledge, practices, availability and accessibility of family planning services and reasons for non-utilization of family planning services in interior of Sindh province, Pakistan.

METHODS

A hospital based cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2003. In person interviews were carried out with attendees of Gynaecology and Obstetrics out patient clinics of two districts hospitals in Tando Allahyar and Jamshoro. Data was collected regarding socio-demographic features, reproductive profile, availability and accessibility of family planning services and reasons for non-use of contraception.

RESULTS

Current contraceptive practice at the time of survey was 29%. However, use of family planning was more in district Tando-Allahyar as compared to district Jamshoro (p <0.001) inspite of similar socio-demographic and reproductive profile. Mean age of marriage of wife and husband was 17.73 +/- 3.8 and 23.82 +/- 5.8 years respectively. In both districts mean parity and number of living children was around 4. Contraceptive use increased with increasing age of mother, parity and number of living children. Tubal ligation (9.5%) and condoms (9.0%) were the most popular methods of family planning. Mass media was the primary source of information,in approximately 72.5% of the study population. Fear of side effects was the main reason given by non-users.

CONCLUSION

The current contraceptive practices are not at the expected levels. Community health workers have provided good services at raising awareness.