A study on awareness and acceptance of contraceptive methods in postpartum women in a tertiary care institute

Background: Contraception is an important tool to reduce unwanted pregnancy and promote healthy living. The benefits of family planning program are recognized worldwide to improve health, social and economic status of families. The objective of the study is to estimate the prevalence of awareness for various contraceptive methods among postpartum women, to find the acceptance of different contraceptive methods and evaluate the factors affecting the same.Methods: The study is a cross-sectional observational study conducted among postpartum women who delivered in Narayana medical college hospital over a period of 1 year. The awareness, acceptance and reason or refusal for contraception was assessed. The data obtained was analyzed to generate graphs and tables.Results: A total of 61% women were aware of at least one method of contraception. 74% were using a contraceptive at the time of study. 39% were unaware of any contraceptive method. 49% preferred intrauterine contraceptive device. Main reason for non-acceptance of contraceptive was couple’s desire for a male child. Health professionals were the main source of imparting the knowledge of birth spacing.Conclusions: Regular antenatal counselling to all pregnant women must be done in every hospital in a village to tertiary care centres. Information should be provided about various contraceptive methods and patient should be able to choose a method of her own choice. A strong motivation is required to adopt a suitable method individualised to each woman

Study on knowledge, attitude and practice of ante-natal care among pregnant women attending antenatal tertiary care institution

Background: The primary aim of antenatal care is to achieve a healthy mother and baby. Antenatal care helps to identify the complications and to remove anxiety and dread associated with delivery. Current study designed to assess knowledge, attitude and ante natal care practice among pregnant women attending to antenatal tertiary care hospital.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 pregnant women attending antenatal care centre at department of obstetrics and genecology, Narayana Medical College and Hospital, Nellore during June 2017 to June 2019 under Narayana Mathru Seva Pathakam. Face to face interview was conducted to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice using a structured questionnaire.Results: A total 86% belongs to 20-29 years age group and 71.4% belongs to multiverdia. 20.6% women responded that they had completed 3 antenatal visits, 26.6% are those who thought that at least more than 5 ANC checkup should be done during pregnancy. 96.1% pregnant responded that registration for antennal care and visits is essential. 87.2% responds to take iron and folate during pregnancy and 11% responds does not taken the same. 92% pregnant responded that tetanus toxoid (TT) should be given during pregnancy but 3.2% told don’t know. When they asked about resting period, 24.2% responded 5-6 hours, 35.4% responded 7-8 hours, 35.6% responded > 8 hours per day to rest they are taking. 55.8% pregnant responded that they had taken decision to give birth the baby in the hospital. 71.2% pregnant females reported that they knew about the danger signs during pregnancy. The reasons for not attending antenatal check-up were financial reasons, illiterate (15.4%), transport and unaware about ANC.Conclusions: Information, education and communication activities should be increased on ANC through community campaign and mass media to motivate women to utilize maternal care services