Contraception; awareness, knowledge and misconceptions regarding the combined oral contraceptive pill amongst parous women

ABSTRACT

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. Gynaecology clinic and family planning department Military hospital Rawalpindi. 1[st] Oct 2011 to 31[st] Dec 2011. 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. 102 eligible women participated in the survey. Mean age was 33 and mean parity was 4.01.Majority belonged to low income group 42[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. 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