A Study Of Contraceptive Utilization Practices Among Married Couple From Rural Area Of Satara District: A Community Based Observational Study

Background: This is a rural and community based study designed to know the gap and understanding level of rural people in accepting such measure in adopting the family planning. Objectives: To assess the knowledge about various methods of contraception, spacing methods and its reasons and problems faced in contraceptives uses by the rural population. Methodology: It is a cross sectional and community based observational study was conducted among 200 married couples of rural area of two block from Satara District (Maharashtra), using a pretested and predesigned questionnaire. Results: Majority of couples 94.5% understand the need of spacing is important for their child as well as self health. When the question about willingness of permanent family planning operation (vasectomy/tubectomy) most 59.5% population were ready after two issues, 12% after one issue while 21.5% were depend on parent’s approval for the family planning. 89.5 % were aware about the previous knowledge of various contraceptive methods So far as choice of permanent method of contraception- Tubal ligation v/s Vasectomy is concerned, 91% preferred tubal ligation as compared to 7% who opted for vasectomy. Condom use as a method of birth spacing was seen better accepted and 71.5% population knew that condom can prevent sexually transmitted disease including HIV. However the knowledge about reducing the failure rate of Condom use was not known to the study population. Conclusion: There is a knowledge-practice gap, lack of motivation as well as awareness of Mother-in laws and husbands and it should be target groups for IEC or any intervention.