Understanding Contraceptive Behavior: Insights from Women Reporting to Gynaecology Department at a Tertiary Care Hospital Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Background:  Family planning is a crucial element of reproductive health and population control. Pakistan, with a population of 220 Million, still faces significant challenges in the management of its reproductive health indicators. The modern contraceptive prevalence rate is estimated to be between 29.5% and 34.6%, which is relatively low.

Objectives: To explore views and strategies associated with using different family planning practices methods and analyse knowledge, attitude and practices towards specific contraceptive methods among the general population of Lahore, Pakistan.

Methods: A Cross sectional survey was conducted to obtain comprehensive perspectives from females visiting the gynecology department at Central park Teaching Hospital, Lahore from January 2024 to June 2024. The sample size was 384 calculated via OpenEPI with 97 % confidence level. All the participants were married, divorced or widowed females of reproductive age. Data was conducted through surveys using a questionnaire and the analysis was done using SPSS version 26. 

Results: Out of the 384 participants, 90.1% had a good knowledge of contraception and 84.6% were using contraceptive methods. Significant association is found among awareness, marital status. education level and sexual activity (p< 0.05). The most effective methods are claimed to be condoms (28.9%) and IUDs (25.3%).

Conclusion: A high level of awareness and use of contraceptive methods exists however, cultural, social, religious and informational barriers persist, highlighting the need for more focussed educational efforts.