Contraceptive Knowledge, Attitude and PracticeAmong Eligible Couples of Rural Haryana

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude regarding family planning and the practice of contraceptives among eligible couples of rural Haryana. Study Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Agroha village. Participants: 250 eligible couples. Methodology: The primary tool in this study was predesigned and pretested questionnaire for recording of individual informations. Result:The knowledge about one or more methods of contraception, particularly modern contraceptive methods was 95.0%, being 95.6% among males and 94.4% among females.The knowledge about traditional methods of contraception was 72.0% in males and 46.4% in females. The most common source of knowledge for all couples in general was the “Exposure to family planning messages” (72.0%) followed by discussion with doctors and other health care workers (42.6%). Sex-wise, the most common source of knowledge for males as well as females was “Exposure to family planning messages” (75.2% and 68.8% respectively). Of 250 interviewed couples, 148 (59.2%) were practicing different contraceptive methods. Completion of family was found to be the most common reason for using contraception (81.1%). Fertility related reasons (45.1%) followed by husband’s opposition (28.4%) were the common reasons for not using contraception. Positive attitude for contraception was shown by 198 (79.2%) females and 158 (63.2%) males. Conclusion: The study reveals good knowledge and favourable attitude of rural couples towards contraception. The study also highlights that awareness does not always lead to the use of contraceptives. A lot of educational and motivational activities and improvement in family planning services are needed to promote the use of contraceptives and reduce the high fertility rate.