Shamsa Humayun.
Knowledge and Practices of Family planning in Grandmultiparas.
J Coll Physicians Surg Pak Jan ;12(9):522-5.

Objective: To determine the knowledge, practice and attitude of grandmultiparas towards the contraception as well as reason for having large family. Design: A crosst sectional descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study : The study was carried out in the antenatal clinic of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, over a period of one year. Subjects and Methods: Two hundred Grandmultiparas between 5th to 8th pregnancies, visiting OPD for antenatal checkup were included in the study through a systematic random sampling. A pre-designed proforma was filled by interviewing each pregnant woman attending antenatal clinic. Results: The awareness about contraceptives was almost universal (99%). Ever-use of contraceptives was very high (94.5%) but only 40% had ever used any effective contraceptive method. Tubal ligation was the most commonly known method (98%), followed by intrauterine contraceptive device (91%), Pill (73%) and Condom (53%). Response about the practice revealed that among ever-users 75% had used withdrawal, 50% had used Condom, and 30% had used IUCDs. Reasons for not using pills and injectables were menstrual irregularities, repeated vaginal infections, husband`s disapproval and religious taboos. Unplanned pregnancy and desire for male issues were the main contributing factors towards large family. Conclusion: It is concluded that there is a knowledge / practice gap in the use of family planning methods. The size of the family is based on religious, cultural /social factors.

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