Awareness and Determinants of Contraceptive use among Nursing Mothers in Bellary, Karnataka

The nursing mothers, who have already delivered a child in recent period, may prefer to avoid or delay future pregnancy, or may not even have given a thought about it. Among those who prefer to delay next pregnancy, many are unaware of family planning practices. This is mainly influenced by the prevailing sociodemographic factors in their families.

To study the prevailing Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of contraception and the influence of sociodemographic factors on family planning practices among the healthy nursing mothers.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2500 healthy breast feeding mothers who delivered at Medical College Hospital (MCH), Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences(VIMS), Bellary during Dec 2011 to Nov 2013. They were interviewed using a pre structured questionnaire in the post natal wards on 2(nd) to 7(th) postpartum day. Later these mothers were educated and counseled regarding various suitable contraceptive methods. The data collected were analysed using percentage and chi- square test.

The proportion of willingness for contraception is more among women in the age group 19-29 years, among literate husband and wife, among women belonging to nuclear families and with higher socioeconomic status. Muslim women were least receptive to contraceptive advice. Regarding awareness of contraceptive methods only 46% had knowledge regarding family planning methods. A total of 43% mothers opted to limit family size. Among 16% of mothers who did not want to limit family size, 70% had no male child. In most of the families, final decision regarding family planning method was taken by husband alone or by elders. The most important reason for lack of family planning practices was lack of awareness (57.2%).

Many of the nursing mothers are not aware of contraceptive practices. But these women are very receptive to contraceptive advice. Also, the decision of family planning depends not only on the couples but even on elders of the family. Hence, a combined family approach to educate and counsel the entire family including elders is needed. The major determinant is education of the entire family regarding family planning practices.