ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives

Family planning is not synonymous with birth control. It has been defined by WHO as, a way of thinking and living that is adopted voluntarily upon the basis of knowledge, attitude and responsible decisions by individuals & couples, in order to promote the health & welfare of the family groups and thus contribute effectively to the social development of a country. Fertility control includes both fertility inhibition and fertility stimulation. The term contraception includes all measures temporary or permanent designed to prevent pregnancy due to coital act. Family planning contributes to the health of mothers and children worldwide by reducing maternal and infant mortality. When wide range family planning services are offered in the context of integrated family planning and maternal and child health care, the health of women and children in that community can be greatly improved. A client has the right to make an unpressured, voluntary decision on a contraceptive method, assuming it is medically safe. Some would argue even further that if a precaution exists and the client is fully informed of the risks, the client's choice must still be honored by the clinician.

Methods of contraceptives include temporary and permanent methods. Temporary methods are commonly used to postpone or space births. However, the methods are also being frequently used by the couples when they dont have desire for no more children

Objectives:To assess the knowledge of eligible couples regarding

contraceptives. To explore the attitude of eligible couples towards contraceptives. To assess the relationship between socio-demographic data and the knowledge of couples regarding contraceptives.

Conceptual frame work:

Conceptual framework based on modified Rosenstochs Beckers Health Belief Model (1978)

Summary: The present study was descriptive study to know the

level of knowledge regarding contraceptives among eligible couples, with the help of questionnaire which consist of 28 questions. The study was conducted in family planning wards of SGTB Hospital Amritsar. The samples were drawn using convenient sampling method.

Findings: The present study assesses the knowledge regarding

contraceptives among eligible couples. On the basis of the study the following conclusions were made. The results revealed that majority of

the couples 20 i.e. 57.14% have inadequate knowledge, 10 i.e. 28.57% have moderately adequate knowledge and 5 i.e. 14.28% having adequate knowledge regarding contraceptives. Hence the research hypothesis which was stated that majority of couples have inadequate knowledge regarding contraceptives is accepted.