Abstract
Background: Family planning is a key public health intervention aimed
at improving maternal and child health, reducing unintended
pregnancies, and supporting women's reproductive rights. Despite the
availability of various contraceptive methods, many regions continue to
face challenges in adoption and sustained usage due to socio-cultural,
economic, and informational barriers.
Objective: This study aims to assess the awareness, preference, and
usage patterns of family planning methods among reproductive-age
individuals, and to identify the key factors influencing their choices to
address knowledge in himachal pradesh
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among [120]
participants aged [21-50yr men and women] in [HIMACHAL PRADESH].
Data were collected through structured questionnaires covering
demographic details, knowledge of contraceptive options, current and
past use, and reasons for acceptance or refusal. Descriptive statistics
and chi-square tests were used to analyze associations between
socio-demographic factors and contraceptive use.
Result: out of the total respondents, 92.30% were aware of
family planning methods and 56.1% were aware to used
methods while working on this project women are more aware
to this methods p value is ~0.596
Conclusion: Although awareness of family planning methods is
relatively high, misconceptions and lack of counseling remain
major barriers to their effective utilization.
INTRODUCTION:
Family planning refers to the ability of individuals and couples to
anticipate and attain their desired number of children and the spacing and
timing of their births. It is achieved through the use of contraceptive
methods and the treatment of infertility. Family planning is an essential
component of reproductive health and plays a vital role in improving
maternal and child health, empowering women, reducing poverty, and
promoting economic development.
Various methods of family planning are available, broadly classified into
temporary (reversible) and permanent (irreversible) methods. Temporary
methods include oral contraceptive pills, condoms, intrauterine devices
(IUDs), injectables, emergency contraceptives, and natural methods such
as the calendar method and withdrawal. Permanent methods include
male sterilization (vasectomy) and female sterilization (tubal ligation).
Despite the availability of effective contraceptive methods, many
individuals still lack adequate knowledge or access due to cultural, social,
or economic barriers.
In 1952, India became the first nation in the world to introduce a national
programme for family planning because of its fast-growing population.
The focus gradually shifted from clinical to reproductive child health, and
the National Population Policy (NPP) of 2000 introduced a
comprehensive and goal-free strategy that assisted in lowering fertility. As
the programme has grown over the years, it has infiltrated every nook and
cranny of the nation, including primary health centres and sub-centres in
rural areas as well as urban family welfare centres and post-partum
centres in urban areas. The crude birth rate (CBR), total fertility rate (TFR),
and growth rate have rapidly decreased as a result of technological
advancements, better health care quality, and coverage.
Studies from India show that unplanned pregnancy is linked to decreased
use of maternal health services and worse results for both newborn and
mother health. In India, according to National Family Health Survey-5
(NFHS-5, 2019– 21), the birth rate for women in the 15– 19 age range
was 43 per 1000 women, which has reduced from 51 per 1000 in NFHS-4
(2015– 16).
REASON FOR DOING STUDY ON THIS
Despite the widespread promotion of family planning programs, many
married individuals still lack adequate knowledge or hold misconceptions
about contraceptive methods. Cultural beliefs, lack of awareness, limited
access to services, and negative attitudes often hinder the proper
utilization of family planning. Understanding the current level of
knowledge, prevailing attitudes, and actual practices among married
individuals is essential to identify gaps and barriers in the adoption of
family planning methods. Conducting this research will help health
authorities and policymakers develop targeted interventions, educational
campaigns, and counseling strategies to promote informed and
responsible reproductive choices. It will also contribute to reducing
unintended pregnancies, improving maternal and child health, and
supporting national population control efforts.
CONTRIBUTION OF PARTICIPANTS
The participants of this study— married individuals,some participants are
single, widowed — play a central and invaluable role in its success. Their
honest responses and willingness to share personal experiences provide
deep insights into the real-world understanding and use of family planning
methods. in our reserch project many females (60.8%) are more aware
to family planning methods as compared to men(38.3%),age mostly
aware of this are from (41-50 yr ) methods commonly used were in high
percentage were Condoms and Natural methods and suggestions they
all give to improve family planning methods were to educate,self
awareness,camps,workshop,open communication,door to door
programs ,many have issues regarding to access and approach to family
planning methods by exploring male participants mostly were aware of
this and their suggestions was to aware and guide everyone and should
follow
AIM :
This study was planned with the objective to assess the knowledge,
attitude, and practices of family planning methods among married women
and men and to find out the factors associated with not using the family
planning method.
OBJECTIVE:
1.Compare effectiveness, acceptability and quality of life impacts of
LARCs vs. FABM vs. hormonal pills in Himachal Pradesh.
2.Assess trust and data privacy concerns around fertility apps amongs
young women.
3.Explore male participation and perceptions towards shared decision
making.
MATERIAL AND METHODS:
This community-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 120
women and men residing in different districts of Himachal Pradesh. Written informed
consent was obtained, and data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured
questionnaire. Knowledge, attitude, and practices were summarised and we used chi
square test , descriptive statistics study we have distributed the result in BAR
CHARTS AND PIE CHARTS
RESULTS:
Descriptive Statistics (N = 120)
1. Gender Distribution
Gender percentage
Male 38.3%
Female 61.8%
2. Age distribution
Age groups Frequency percentage
below 20 2 1.6%
21-30 23 19.3%
31-40 33 27.7%
41-50 36 30.3%
above 50 29 24.4%
3. Awareness of family planning methods
Method known frequency percentage
Condoms 82 68.33%
Oral pills 56 48.7%
copper t/iucd 64 55.7%
natural methods 65 56.5%
Sterilization 37 32.2%
injectable 26 22.6%
contraceptive
emergy-contraceptive 24 20.9%
4.if not using methods what is the reason behind..?
Reason frequency percentage
Access issue 35 29.16%
Fear of side effects 20 16.6%
Partner opposition 15 12.5%
Religious/cultural issues 12 10%
Desire more children 9 7.5%
Menopause 10 8.3%
No reason 19 15.8%
• High Awareness but Gaps in Usage: While 92.30% are aware of family planning,
only 56.1% use a method, suggesting barriers like fear of side effects, partner
opposition, or access issues.
• Education and Occupation Influence: Highly educated respondents (85.8% with
graduate degrees) and those in professional roles (e.g., teachers, doctors) show
greater awareness and use of family planning methods.
• Gender Differences:
• Females are slightly more likely to report health concerns (61.8% vs 38.8%
for males).
• Males are more likely to suggest targeting specific communities (e.g.,
Muslim populations) for awareness campaigns.
• Age and Family Size: Older respondents (41– 50 and above 50) and those with 2
children are more likely to use family planning methods, possibly due to having
completed their desired family size.
• Urban vs. Rural Divide: Suggestions frequently highlight the need for rural-focused
interventions, indicating lower awareness or access in rural areas.
• Cultural/Religious Influence: Minimal impact overall (12 % report influence), but
some respondents mention religious/cultural barriers among specific communities.
Chi-squared statistic: ~1.034
• p-value: ~0.596(not significant, suggesting no association between gender and
family planning use).
• Expected frequencies (for reference):
• Male, Yes: ~20.5
• Male, No: ~21.5
• Female, Yes: ~22.5
• Female, No: ~25.5
ONLINE TOOLS WERE USED
1.ChatGPT
2.Google form used for ( questionere )
3. pubmed,
4.consensus.app site
CONCLUSIONS:
The survey reveals a high level of awareness and positive attitudes toward family
planning among respondents, who are predominantly educated, married, and
middle-aged. Condoms, Copper-T/IUD, and natural methods are the most recognized
and used methods, but barriers such as fear of side effects, partner opposition, and
access issues prevent wider adoption. The near-universal agreement on the
importance of family planning and joint decision-making reflects a progressive
mindset, with minimal influence from religion or culture.
Keywords: Attitude, contraception, family planning, knowledge, practice,chi
square,cross sectional study
Recommendations:
1. Enhance Awareness Campaigns: Organize targeted campaigns in rural areas and
underserved communities, using social media, TV/radio, and community health
workers to disseminate information.
2. Improve Access: Expand access to affordable contraceptives through mobile
clinics, pharmacies, and free distribution programs.
3. Address Barriers: Provide counselling to address fears of side effects and involve
partners in decision-making to reduce opposition.
4. Engage Health Workers: Train ASHA/ANM workers and doctors to provide
comprehensive, culturally sensitive family planning education.
5. Involve Men and Empower Women: Promote male participation and women’ s
autonomy in reproductive health decisions.
6. Policy Advocacy: Consider incentives for family planning adoption and ensure
policies are inclusive across communities.
This analysis highlights the need for targeted interventions to bridge the gap between
awareness and practice, particularly in rural and underserved populations, to enhance
the effectiveness of family planning services.
Reference:
1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10706501/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235067/
