KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF CONTRACEPTION AMONG POSTPARTUM WOMAN ADMITTED TO POST NATAL WARD IN ST PAULS HOSPITAL

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: There is high unmet need for limiting and spacing child birth during post partum period .given the consequence of closely spaced birth and the benefit of longer pregnancy interval targeted activity is needed to reach this population of post partum woman . The postpartum period is an important time to initiate contraception because women are accessing the health- care system and might have increased motivation to avoid another pregnancy. Objective: This study is aimed at assessing knowledge, attitude and practice of contraceptive use among postpartum woman admitted in postnatal ward. Methods: The study design that is employed is institutional based cross sectional quantitative survey among patients who are admitted to St.Paul‟s hospital millennium medical college obstetrics and gynecology postnatal ward from NOV 1-30. The primary Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire in local language (Amharic) after informed verbal consent. To analyze the data were then entered into SPSS version 20.0 for analysis, logistic regression models were fitted to assess associations. Associations were assessed by chi square test Result: Among 235 women admitted in St.Paul‟s millennium medical collage post natal ward. Data was analyzed through spss version 20 logistic regression model was used to measure association. The study revealed that more than78.7% post partal woman have heard of modern contraceptives and have knowledge of at least one contraceptive. The three most commonly identified modern contraceptives among the respondents were 18.3%implantes, 17% Injectable and 22.2% pills. Age, occupation, residency income and education showed association with knowledge of contraception Most of (61 %,) the study subjects are currently using modern contraceptives Moreover, 49.6% of the respondent consider modern contraceptive method do not have harmful effects on health and 72% agree that using contraception help the mother to regain her strength before next pregnancy. In general about 73.7% have a favorable or a positive attitude towards modern contraceptive. Those with good knowledge about modern contraception show good attitude there is critical need to teach with consideration of post partal woman context about the modern contraceptive practice to overcome the reproductive health problems.