KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE & PRACTICE OF CONTRACEPTION AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN A TERTIARY CARE MATERNITY HOSPITAL OF KASHMIR VALLEY.

Abstract

Background: Government of India launched the National Family Welfare Programme in 1951 with the prime objective to reduce the birth rate to an extent necessary for population stabilization. Objectives of the Study were to assess the knowledge, attitude and evaluate the practices of contraceptive methods among health care workers. Methodology: The study was a cross-sectional study which was carried out at one of the largest maternity tertiary care hospitals of Kashmir Valley. Arbitrarily we included 200 health care workers of the tertiary care hospital including nursing staff, paramedic staff, and other women staff. Results: Among the two groups A & B, the awareness about contraceptive practices were known to all but the type of contraceptive methods varied between the two groups. Most of the study participants were having favorable attitude towards contraceptive use. The contraceptive practices were better among Literate participants (82%) than Illiterate participants (57%). Conclusion: Right Knowledge and motivation are the only means for the improved acceptance & utilization of contraceptive methods in our setup.

Key Words: Contraception, Contraceptive Methods, Contraceptive Practices, KAP study