“Assessing the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Family Planning Methods Among Eligible Couples Residing in Rural Area Vadodara”

Abstract

A descriptive research study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding family planning methods among the eligible couples of selected rural areas, Vadodara, Gujarat. The study selected 60 eligible couples of ages 21-45 years, using non-purposive convenient sampling technique. A self-structured knowledge questionnaire, attitude scale and practice checklist were developed by a researcher to collect the data. The tool was developed with the help of literature review, expert validation, and pretesting. The knowledge questionnaire was administered to assess the level of knowledge, whereas the attitude scale was used to identify the level of attitude and a researcher filled the checklist to observe the practice regarding family planning among the eligible couples. Statistical analysis was made using mean, median, percentage and standard deviation that showed the highest number of eligible couples had average knowledge that is 39 (65%) regarding family planning method. Whereas the 30 (63%) of eligible couples showed positive attitude towards family planning method. Also, 37 (62%) among the eligible couples were observed for average practice towards family planning method. The chi-square test was used to find associations. There is a significant association between knowledge level with socio-economic status (χ2 = 18>12.592). Also, there is a significant association between practice with religion (χ2 = 12.68>12.592) and with socio-economic status (χ2 = 19.47>16.919). While the study also found an association between attitude with religion (χ2 = 21.7>9.488) and with duration of marriage (χ2 = 16>12.592). Reliability of the tool was confirmed through test-retest (r = 0.78). The study finding concludes the average level of knowledge, attitude and practice along with a significant association between some of the socio-demographic variables with knowledge, attitude and practice