Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Postnatal Mothers Regarding the use of Contraception at Maternity Hospital SKIMS Soura, Srinagar

Abstract

Background: Birth control has been used since ancient times, but
safe and effective methods became widely available only in the 20th
century. Family planning helps reduce maternal mortality by preventing
unintended pregnancies and high-risk births.This study aimed to assess
the knowledge, attitude, and practice of contraception among postnatal
mothers and to find associations with selected demographic variables.
Methodology: A non-experimental descriptive design was used to
study 100 postnatal mothers in the maternity wards of SKIMS, Soura,
Srinagar, using a convenient sampling technique. A self-structured
interview assessed knowledge and practice, while a 3-point Likert scale
evaluated attitudes. A photo-exhibition on contraception methods was
conducted post-data collection.
Results: More than half (54%) of the participants had moderate
knowledge, 38% had adequate knowledge, and 8% had inadequate
knowledge about contraception. Nearly all (97%) had a positive attitude,
while 3% had a negative attitude. However, 83% had not practiced any
contraception method. Among the 17% who did, oral contraceptive pills
were the most common (88.2%), followed by emergency contraceptive
pills and Copper T (5.8% each). Additionally, 35% reported that their
husbands used contraception, with withdrawal (60%) and condoms
(40%) being the preferred methods.
Conclusion: While postnatal mothers had moderate knowledge and a
positive attitude toward contraception, actual practice was minimal,
likely due to limited awareness of available methods, benefits, and safety.

How to cite this article:
Jaileel B, Kachroo M, Bashir, Akhter K, Jaileel
A, Jaileel F, Nazir I, Hijazi R, Ismail S, Sharma N,
Hamid H, Falak N, Farooq S, Wani J A. Knowledge,
attitude and practice of postnatal mothers
regarding the use of contraception at Maternity
Hospital SKIMS Soura, Srinagar
Ind J Holist Nurs. 2024;15(2):14-23.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2348.2133.202404