Knowledge attitude and practice on contraception in village women in Khotang

Contraceptive prevalence in remote districts of Nepal like Khotang is still low despite a high unmet need in the population. The study aims to estimate the contraceptive prevalence, knowledge, attitude and practice on contraception among women in Khotang.

A cross sectional study designed to find the contraceptive prevalence, knowledge, attitude and practice of contraceptive use, conducted at four health facilities at Khotang district during reproductive health camp in January 2011 by interviewing using a predesigned questionnaire.

The mean age of 112 women who participated in the study was 25.3±6.1 and most were predominantly Mongolians and multipara. The knowledge of family planning was wide spread with clients listing 5±1 methods on average. Depo povera was the most commonly listed. Total 87 (77.7%) women had positive attitude towards family planning were positive in using contraceptives if needed. Other 22 (19.6%) were indecisive and wanted to consult husband and a very few did not want any contraception. Implant was preferred by most followed by Depo Provera. Seventy eight (69.6%) had ever used modern temporary method contraceptive devices and 41 (31.6%) were currently using them. Depo povera was the most common method ever used or currently in use. Commonest cause of discontinuation for past users was husband working abroad, followed by side effects.

Knowledge of contraceptive is high in Nepal even in remote area, however use of contraception is low; male participation in family planning may reduce the unmet need.