Knowledge of Contraceptive Methods Among Married Women of Islamabad: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: To assess frequency of adequate contraceptive knowledge among married women and identify socio-demographic factors associated with adequate knowledge.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to July 2024 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal General Hospital, Islamabad. Using simple random sampling, 324 married pregnant women aged 18–40 years with gestational age <20 weeks were enrolled. Data were collected via a pre-tested, structured questionnaire comprising two sections: (1) socio-demographic and obstetric variables (age, duration of marriage, parity, gestational age, residence, education of woman and husband, and socio-economic status using modified Kuppuswamy scale); (2) a validated 10-item contraceptive knowledge assessment tool covering condoms, oral pills, emergency contraception, injectables, IUCDs, side effects, failure rates, myths (tampons as contraception, breastfeeding as protection), and husband role in decision-making. Each correct answer scored 1 point (total 0–10); score >7 defined adequate knowledge. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22; chi-square test was applied (p < 0.05 significant).

Results: The mean age of participants was 30.21 ± 6.09 years, mean duration of marriage 4.5 ± 2.77 years, and mean parity 2.67 ± 1.61. Overall, 172 (53.1%) women had adequate contraceptive knowledge while 152 (46.9%) had inadequate knowledge. Adequate knowledge was significantly higher among women aged >30 years (p < 0.001), married for ≥5 years (p < 0.001), with graduation or higher education (p < 0.001), whose husbands were graduates or above (p < 0.001), and belonging to upper socio-economic status (p < 0.001). Marked misconceptions persisted: only 34.6% knew condoms do not provide 100% protection and 32.1% correctly identified that tampons are not a contraceptive method.

Conclusions: Only 53.1% of married pregnant women had adequate contraceptive knowledge, which was significantly associated with older age, longer marriage duration, higher education of both spouses, and upper socio-economic status. Despite antenatal care attendance, major misconceptions persist.