Stumbling blocks in population control.

Abstract

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine frequency of contraceptive use, reasoning for not using any method and complications of various methods among low socioeconomic section of society. Study Design: Cross Sectional Observational study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Farooq Hospital, Westwood Branch, Lahore. Period: From  1^st July 2019 to 31^st December 2019. Material & Method: All married women between 18-40 years of age,having at least one child, presenting to gynae outdoor, were included in the study. Sample size was 408. Mean and standard deviation calculated for age and parity. Frequency and percentage of remaining variables calculated by using SPSS version 16. Results: Out of total 408 participants, 48.3% were in age range of 21-30 years and 86.5% were having parity of ≥ 2. 47.5% participants were illetrate and 52.5% were having different level of education. 53% participants were not using any contraception and only 47% were practicing contraception. Most commonly used method among users were interval IUCD (32.3%) and barrier method (30.2%). Least common method used was Implanon (1.04%). Most common reasons among nonusers  were lack of knowledge (30.5%) and fear of side effects (21.7%). Least common reasons were myths and false beliefs (8.8%). Common complications among users were menstrual irregularity (29.6%),vaginal discharge (12%) and failure of method leading to conception (7.8%). Conclusion: There is need for strong implementation of government family planning policies and motivation of couples through media and health personnel to achieve effective use of contraceptives.