CHOICE OF CONTRACEPTION

Objective: To observe the relationship of parity with awareness &liberty of useof contraception among married women. Study design: Descriptive study. Period: 1.02.2014to 30.09.2014. Settings: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Bhatti International Hospital,Affiliated Central Park Medical College, LHR. Methods: All Primipara & multipara women deliveringat Bhatti Hospital were included. The women opting for permanentmethod (Tubal Ligation) wereexcluded. A total of 100 women participated in the study. Results: P1=44,P2-7=56,& out oftotal 100 women only 50 (50%) had simple awareness about contraception. Only 27% (all ofgroup 2 i.e P2-7) had used some form of contraception. Among Group 2, 30% used Barrier(male condoms),7% withdrawal, IUCD 5%, Pills 3%,Injections1%. Multipara were more awarethan primiparas with p value 0.043(significant).Both groups were equally dependent on theirhusbands&/or in laws directly or indirectly about their decision &choice of contraception withp value 0.49 (not significant).The decision of contraceptives use depended on couples 36%,Only Husbands 34%,only women 27%& in laws 3%.The Group 2 had a low tendency to usecontraception despite a general expectation with p value 0.36 (not significant) indicating thatthe probability of use in Group 2 was not very high. Conclusions: Both men & women need tobe aware of the benefits of contraception & women’s role in contraception decision making isstill low in Pakistan