Family Planning Methods Utilization in Women of Reproductive Age

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and practices concerning Family planning (FP) utilization and its determinants among women within the reproductive age group in the population under study. Study design: Analytical cross-sectional study. Place and Duration: This study was conducted in Muhammad Medical College / Ibn-E-Sina University Mirpurkhas from May 2022 to 2023.: Data was gathered from 250 participants who visited the outpatient department of the hospital Methodology. A structured questionnaire was employed, and a nonprobability convenient sampling method was used for participant selection. Sociodemographic information, primarily pertaining to age, religion, educational status, occupation, and family income, was collected from participants. Data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences, version 26. Results: The study found that 182 (72.8%) women in the reproductive age group possessed knowledge about FP, while 137 (54.8%) practiced contraceptive methods. Among the participants, 142 (56.8%) acknowledged the effectiveness of contraceptive methods. The study revealed statistically significant associations between FP utilization practices and factors such as educational status, duration of marriage, knowledge, suitability, availability, number of children, husband support, and effectiveness of FP methods. The commonest sources of information on FP were FP centers and hospitals (40.8%), and the desire to conceive was the primary motivation (54%) for seeking FP services. Conclusion: The study concluded that there is a satisfactory level of knowledge about FP, but relatively low utilization of contraceptive methods among women in the reproductive age group. It is recommended that qualitative research approaches be utilized to gain deeper insights into women's perspectives and feelings regarding FP. Furthermore, further investigation into the reasons for the underutilization of FP services is warranted.