Contraception in Eastern Nepal: A Study of Knowledge and Use

Authors

  • NK Keyal Assistant Professor, Department of GP & EM, Universal College of Medical Sciences & Teaching Hospital, Bhairahawa
  • M Moore Associate Professor, Department of GP & EM, B.P.Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i2.11169

Keywords:

Contraception Knowledge

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To discover the knowledge and use of contraception amongst women in eastern Nepal and to identify reasons for patterns of use.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study, using a structured survey, was completed by women admitted to the post-natal ward of Koshi Zonal Hospital in eastern Nepal. The subjects were asked questions about their knowledge and use of contraception as well as reasons for their contraceptive choices.

RESULTS: The subjects showed a large discrepancy between knowledge (79%) and use (21%) of contraception. Knowledge was greater in higher socio-economic groups but use was not significantly different. Knowledge and use increased with age to a maximum use of 50% at age greater than 30 years. The main source of contraceptive knowledge was from formal school education. Injectable progesterone was the most common contraceptive used and this was said to be because of its convenience. The main reasons for non-use of contraception were subjects wanting another child and fear of side-effects. All contraceptives were purchased from private shops due to discomfort at attending recognisable contraceptive providers..

CONCLUSIONS: The levels of contraceptive awareness and use were lower than in other published Nepalese studies. This difference is associated with low educational levels in the study population. There is also an ongoing desire for larger families. There is a need for more contraceptive education that does not rely on schooling. The lack of use of government contraceptive services should also be addressed.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i2.11169

Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2014) Vol.2(2): 15-20

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Published

2014-09-27

How to Cite

Keyal, N., & Moore, M. (2014). Contraception in Eastern Nepal: A Study of Knowledge and Use. Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences, 2(2), 15–20. https://doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i2.11169

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2014)

Section

Original Articles

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