Abstract

Objective: To assess knowledge and practices regarding family planning among reproductive age group women visiting tertiary care hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan.
Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted at two tertiary care hospitals antenatal clinics, Karachi Pakistan. A sample size of 450 women was taken by consecutive sampling. A structured questionnaire was administered after taking the informed consent. The data were collected on of socio-demographic characteristics of women and factors affecting change in awareness and practice of family planning. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 21. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors affecting awareness and practices of family planning.
Results: The women who received antenatal care in last pregnancy were more knowledgeable (OR=2.0, 95%CI=1.1-3.6) as compared to those who did not receive antenatal care. The women who received post-partum care after last delivery were more knowledgeable (OR=3.5, 95%CI=1.6-8.0) as compared to those who did not receive post-partum care. The women who ever consulted family planning clinic were more knowledgeable (OR=8.1, 95%CI=1.0-62.7) as compared to those women who did not ever consulted with family planning clinic.
Conclusion: A wider gap exists between knowledge and practices of women. Maternal health services like antenatal, postpartum care and family services were identified as associated factors with increase in knowledge and practice of family planning.

Key words: Family planning, Practice, antenatal care.