CONTRACEPTION;

AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE AND MISCONCEPTIONS REGARDING THE COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL AMONGST PAROUS WOMEN

Abstract

Background: The uptake of oral contraceptive pill as a method of contraception is very low in Pakistan with a high
discontinuation rate. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of contraception seeking, married women in Pakistan about the oral
contraceptive pill. Setting: Gynaecology clinic and family planning department Military hospital Rawalpindi. Period: 1st Oct 2011 to 31st Dec
2011. Methods: 102 eligible women completed a cross-sectional survey that consisted of a detailed questionnaire which was completed by
the interviewer to assess the womens’ level and source of knowledge concerning the risks and benefits of the oral contraceptive pill. Results:
102 eligible women participated in the survey. Mean age was 33 and mean parity was 4.01.Majority belonged to low income group42(41%) and
33% had a fair socioeconomic status. Majority 35(34%) had low education level and 11(10.8%) were graduate or more. Majority 49(48%) scored
intermediate on knowledge score with 33(32.5%) scoring poorly. Overall only 15% were aware of cancer preventing powers and 70% of non
contraceptive virtues of the pill. Misconception rates were particularly high in this study sample with 46(45%) having high misconception
scores.96.6%% of the respondents were convinced that pill leads to obesity.58(57%) of the overall subjects felt that pill use could be considered
but lack of self efficacy could lead to problems with compliance. Conclusions: Knowledge about pill efficacy and advantages was low and
misbelieve regarding safety and side effects was high. More education regarding safety and health benefits is needed to improve acceptance
and compliance.