CONTRACEPTION;

Background: The uptake of oral contraceptive pill as a method of contraception is very low in Pakistan with a highdiscontinuation rate. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of contraception seeking, married women in Pakistan about the oralcontraceptive pill. Setting: Gynaecology clinic and family planning department Military hospital Rawalpindi. Period: 1st Oct 2011 to 31st Dec2011. Methods: 102 eligible women completed a cross-sectional survey that consisted of a detailed questionnaire which was completed bythe interviewer to assess the womens’ level and source of knowledge concerning the risks and benefits of the oral contraceptive pill. Results:102 eligible women participated in the survey. Mean age was 33 and mean parity was 4.01.Majority belonged to low income group42(41%) and33% had a fair socioeconomic status. Majority 35(34%) had low education level and 11(10.8%) were graduate or more. Majority 49(48%) scoredintermediate on knowledge score with 33(32.5%) scoring poorly. Overall only 15% were aware of cancer preventing powers and 70% of noncontraceptive virtues of the pill. Misconception rates were particularly high in this study sample with 46(45%) having high misconceptionscores.96.6%% of the respondents were convinced that pill leads to obesity.58(57%) of the overall subjects felt that pill use could be consideredbut lack of self efficacy could lead to problems with compliance. Conclusions: Knowledge about pill efficacy and advantages was low andmisbelieve regarding safety and side effects was high. More education regarding safety and health benefits is needed to improve acceptanceand compliance.