Socio Cultural Determinants of Low Contraceptive Use and High Unmet Needs in Married Females of Urban Karachi

Abstract

To explore knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding contraceptive use in females and to determine the socio cultural barriers that influence contraceptive uptake and contribute to significant unmet needs of family planning. Materials and Methods:This hospital based cross sectional survey was carried out from March 2015 to September 2015 at the Gynaecology and Obstetrics outpatient clinics (OPD) of two hospitals of Karachi, Liaquat National Hospital and PNS SHIFA Hospital. 383 females of age 18-49 years were enrolled after taking informed written consent. Knowledge, attitude and practices on contraception were evaluated with the help of predesigned questionnaire. Results: Mean age of participants was 30.12+ 3.05, youngest being 18 years old, while the eldest was 49 years old. Majority (64%) of the participants were housewives.Knowledge about contraceptive methods was found in 97.1%. Media was found to be main source of information. Regarding contraceptive practices, 48% women were currently using some method of contraception. Among these the most widely used method was condoms (46%). 52% women were not currently using any method of contraception. Husband and mother in law opposition were found to be the strongest reason for not using any contraception. Conclusion:Inspite of having good knowledge, utilization of contraceptives were less because of preference for a large family norm, religious myths, cultural barriers and family opposition