Family planning is a crucial aspect of reproductive health that empowers individuals and couples to make informed decisions about the timing and spacing of pregnancies. It encompasses a range of methods that enable individuals to prevent or delay pregnancy and choose the number of children they want to have [1]. Access to comprehensive information and services related to family planning is essential to ensure individuals can make choices aligned with their reproductive goals and improve overall maternal and child health outcomes [2-3].

In India, family planning is a key component of the national health policy, aiming to provide individuals with the necessary knowledge and access to a wide range of contraceptive methods. However, despite ongoing efforts, there are still gaps in awareness and understanding about family planning methods among women in various communities [4]. Limited knowledge about available contraceptive methods, their effectiveness, and potential side effects can hinder women's ability to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health [5-6].

Himachal Pradesh, a northern state of India, faces unique challenges in terms of access to healthcare services, including family planning. The outpatient department of Civil Hospital Theog plays a vital role in delivering healthcare services to women in the region. Understanding the level of knowledge and awareness about family planning methods among women attending this specific healthcare setting is crucial for identifying gaps and developing targeted interventions to improve reproductive health outcomes [7-8].

Assessing the understanding of family planning methods among women can help identify barriers, misconceptions, and gaps in knowledge that hinder informed decision-making. It can also inform the development of educational programs, interventions, and policies to promote the use of appropriate family planning methods and improve overall reproductive health outcomes [9-12].

Therefore, this study aims to explore the understanding about family planning methods among women attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital Theog, Himachal Pradesh. By assessing the awareness, knowledge, and perceptions related to various contraceptive methods, this study intends to provide valuable insights into the educational needs of women in the region and contribute to improved reproductive health outcomes.

Objectives of the Study

To assess the level of various Family planning methods knowledge among women attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital Theog, Himachal Pradesh, with the objective of identifying gaps and potential areas for targeted educational interventions.

• Research Approach: Descriptive

• Research Design: Hospital based cross-sectional survey design

• Setting of the study: OPD in Civil hospital Theog, Himachal Pradesh

• Study Duration: Between March 2023- June 2023

• Study Population: Women aged above 18 years came to OPD 

• Sample Size: 400 women, assuming 50% have adequate knowledge regarding Family planning methods, 5% absolute error, 95% confidence level, and 5% non-response rate

• Sampling Technique: Convenience Sampling technique

• Sampling Criteri: Irst five female patients who came to OPD were selected everyday till the completion of 

• sample size after explaining the purpose of the study Informed consent was taken from them and confidentiality  of the selected  participants was also maintained 

• Inclusive Criteria:   Female patients who were willing to participate in the study

• Exclusion Criteria: female patients who were not willing to participate in the study

Description of Tool

• Demographic Data Survey Instrument: The demographic form elicited information on

•  Articipants’ Background: age, marital status, religion, employment, education, family’s monthly income etc

• Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 20 structured knowledge related questions. One mark was given for each correct answer and zero for incorrect answer. The maximum score was 20 and minimum score was zero. Scoring was done on the basis of marks as >80%(16-20)=very good,60-79%(12-15) =Good,41-59% ( 8-11)=Fair,<40% (< 8)=poor

• Validity of Tool: By the experts in this field

• Data Collection: By  under the guidance of supervisors and patients were given 30 minutes time to complete that questionnaire and collected at the end of the prescribed time

• Data Analysis: with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies, percentage

The goal of the current study was to assess the level of knowledge about Family planning methods among women attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital Theog, Himachal Pradesh. A total of 400 respondents including 137 (34.25%) from urban area and 263 (65.75%) from rural area were participated in the study.

In the present study 32% (128) participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards contraceptives, 41.25% (165) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 17.75% (71) had fair knowledg  (8-11 marks) and 9.0% (36)  having poor knowledge (<8 marks).

Table-1: Knowledge regarding Family Planning Methods among study participants

Figure 1: Knowledge score regarding Family Planning Methods among study participants

The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge about family planning methods among women attending the outpatient department of Civil Hospital Theog, Himachal Pradesh. The findings provide valuable insights into the understanding and awareness of family planning methods among women in the region.

The study included 400 participants, with 34.25% from urban areas and 65.75% from rural areas. The results indicated varying levels of knowledge regarding family planning methods among the participants. Overall, 32% of the participant’s demonstrated very good knowledge, 41.25% had good knowledge, 17.75% had fair knowledge, and 9.0% had poor knowledge about family planning methods.

The results showed that a significant proportion of women had a good level of knowledge regarding family planning methods. For instance, 80.75% of participants correctly identified the purpose of family planning. This indicates a relatively high level of awareness about the fundamental concept of family planning among the respondents. Similarly, a considerable number of participants correctly identified common contraceptive methods (72%) and understood the effectiveness of male condoms in preventing pregnancy (69%). This indicates a relatively high level of awareness about the overall concept and basic methods of family planning among the respondents.

However, there were areas where participants showed relatively lower levels of knowledge. For instance, only 38% of participants understood how hormonal contraception works, and a similar proportion (39%) knew about the different types of hormonal contraception. These findings suggest a need for targeted educational interventions to improve understanding in these specific areas.

It is encouraging to note that a majority of participants recognized the advantages and disadvantages of oral contraceptive pills (46.75%) and the effectiveness of male condoms in preventing pregnancy (69%). Additionally, a significant proportion of participants were aware of permanent methods of family planning (74.75%) and the need to use contraception to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (47.25%).

The findings of this study align with previous research on knowledge about family planning methods among women in different settings. A study conducted in a rural area of Nepal reported similar levels of knowledge, with 30% of women demonstrating very good knowledge and 41% having good knowledge [12]. 

These findings revealed that participants had moderate knowledge about various family planning methods, including emergency contraception, intrauterine devices (IUDs), natural family planning methods, sterilization, and postpartum contraception. However, there is still room for improvement in terms of understanding the effectiveness and appropriate use of these methods.

The results of this study indicate the need for targeted educational interventions to improve awareness and knowledge about family planning methods among women in the region. Enhancing understanding of different contraceptive methods, their mechanism of action, effectiveness, and potential side effects could empower individuals to make informed decisions and choose the most suitable method for their reproductive goals.

Furthermore, the findings can serve as a baseline for future studies and help evaluate the effectiveness of awareness campaigns and educational programs focused on family planning. By addressing the gaps in knowledge identified in this study, healthcare providers and policymakers can work towards improving access to comprehensive family planning services and reducing unintended pregnancies in the region.

Limitations

It is important to note that this study has some limitations. The use of convenience sampling may introduce selection bias, and the reliance on self-reported data could be subject to recall bias. Future research could utilize larger sample sizes, employ more diverse sampling techniques, and include qualitative methods to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing knowledge and perceptions of family planning methods among women.

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of assessing the understanding about family planning methods among women attending healthcare facilities. The findings provide valuable insights into the knowledge gaps and areas for improvement in reproductive health education. By addressing these gaps, healthcare providers and policymakers can enhance awareness and knowledge about family planning methods, promote informed decision-making, and contribute to improved reproductive health outcomes in the region.

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12. Thapa, S., et al. "Knowledge on family planning methods and its use among married women of reproductive age in a rural municipality of Nepal." Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 122–127, 2018.