KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES REGARDING FAMILY PLANNING METHODS IN A RURAL AREA IN THRISSUR DISTRICT KERALA, INDIA
Catherin Nisha*, Kerline P. J., Aparna Sunil, Jini C. M., C. R. Saju
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Family planning becomes essential in the family setup of a country as it helps to reduce the fertility and thereby aids the proper distribution of available socioeconomic resources. Any policies in this front however are thwarted by the general unawareness, misconceptions and the general inconveniences associated with each method that exists in that particular society. Objectives: To assess knowledge attitude and practices regarding family planning practices in a rural area of Thrissur District, Kerala, India. Methods: Knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) study was undertaken in a rural village of Thrissur District Kerala and 500 eligible couples were selected through house to house survey. One member of each couple was interviewed using a structured questionnaire over a period of six months. Results: Out of the 500 couples 489 (97%) were found to be aware of the family planning methods available and 357 (71%) of them were using one of the methods. It was also found that awareness about sterilization methods was 495 (99%) and least about the natural method of contraception ie withdrawal 4 (0. 008%). Most of the couples 465 (93%) received information from authentic sources like healthcare workers. Conclusion: It was found that the study population had adequate awareness about the various contraceptive methods available and the information regarding these was from authentic sources. But the numbers of couple who practiced these methods were less. Recommendations: More people need to be encouraged to use different methods of family planning and education has to be given regarding the importance and need to use them. Awareness has to be increased about the natural methods of contraception since they do not have side effects.
Keywords: Family planning, Knowledge Attitude and Practices, Sterilization, oral contraceptives.
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