Knowledge And Practice Of Temporary Contraceptive Methods Among Primi Mothers At Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College And Hospital, Karnal, Haryana: A Descriptive Study
Keywords:
Contraception; temporary contraceptive methods; knowledge; practice; primi mothers; family planning; reproductive healthAbstract
Background
Family planning is an important component of reproductive and maternal healthcare. Temporary contraceptive methods provide reversible options for preventing unintended pregnancy and spacing subsequent pregnancies. Adequate knowledge and appropriate practice are important for informed contraceptive decision-making. Primi mothers may require appropriate counselling regarding available methods, correct use, benefits, limitations, and possible adverse effects.
Aim
The study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of temporary contraceptive methods among primi mothers, determine the association between practice level and selected demographic variables, and examine the relationship between knowledge and practice scores.
Materials and Methods
A quantitative descriptive research design was adopted. The study was conducted among 60 primi mothers at Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College and Hospital, Karnal, Haryana. Participants were selected using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a demographic proforma, a self-structured knowledge questionnaire, and a structured practice checklist. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between practice level and selected demographic variables, and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between knowledge and practice scores. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
Among the 60 participants, 8 (13.3%) demonstrated good practice, 28 (46.7%) demonstrated average practice, and 24 (40.0%) demonstrated poor practice regarding temporary contraceptive methods. The mean practice score was 4.03 ± 1.877, with a median of 4.00 and a mean percentage score of 40.3%. A statistically significant association was observed between practice level and type of family (χ² = 9.753, p = 0.045). No statistically significant association was observed between practice level and age, religion, educational qualification, occupation, family income, or source of information. The mean knowledge score was 5.23 ± 1.917. Pearson's correlation analysis showed a very weak positive relationship between knowledge and practice scores, which was not statistically significant (r = 0.073, p = 0.578).
Conclusion
Most participants demonstrated average or poor practice regarding temporary contraceptive methods. Practice level was significantly associated with type of family, whereas no significant relationship was observed between knowledge and practice scores. Individualized contraceptive counselling and practical reproductive health education may help support informed contraceptive decision-making among primi mothers.
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