Abstract

Dr. Hira Iqbal*, Dr. Aneela Munawar and Dr. Munazza Azhar

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To get information regarding the most preferred contraceptive method used by married women of rural area of Rural Health Center of Rahim Yar Khan. Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 married women of rural areas with different socio-demographic factors, age groups, & family backgrounds. A structured questionnaire consisting of open ended and close ended questions was made, and pre-tested. Face to face interviews of those willing women were done at their residence with the help of a trained Lady Health Workers (LHWs) and the 100% response rate achieved. Non-probability sampling (convenient) was adopted to include willing married female. Statistical Package for the Social Sciencesp-19 was used for analysis & descriptive statistics were calculated. Results: Out of 300 participants majority of women 129 (43%) are using Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCP) followed by condoms 65(21.6%) and natural method (exclusive breast feeding) 40(13.6%). Majority of women 125(41.6%) have been taking contraception for 1-2 years. Most participants 217(90.3%) were of age 27-36 years along with majority of participants were having gravidity and parity of 4-6 each. Opinion of better family well-being was given by 110(36.6%) women after taking contraception for family planning. Major side effect of nausea and vomiting noticed among 35(11.6%) user of oral contraceptive methods. Conclusion: Oral contraceptive pills are the most commonly used contraceptive method among married women. The reason of this preference is availability of combined oral contraceptive pills at basic health units. These OCP delivered through lady health workers increased the number of women taking contraception for family planning. It is also related with increased awareness about family wellbeing and health of mother.