Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Contraception Among Postnatal Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Single Institution in Lahore

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards contraception among postnatal mothers
presented in a tertiary care hospital.
Study Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Hameed Latif Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan from February 2024 to February 2025.
Methods: A total of 325 females, aged 15-40 years, who presented in the postnatal ward within 4 weeks of
delivery were selected by non-probability, consecutive sampling. Knowledge was assessed by 12 multiplechoice
questions. Attitudes were assessed by a 13-item questionnaire, which could be answered on a Likert
scale with 1 (strongly agree), 2 (agree), 3 (undecided), 4 (disagree), and 5 (strongly disagree). The practice was
assessed by asking about the use of contraception, its duration, and type.
Results: The mean knowledge score was 9.4 ± 3.2, and the attitude score was 45.8 ± 18.9. 297 (91.4%) had a
good knowledge level, and 28 (8.6%) had a score of less than 10. The knowledge score was associated with place
of residence and qualification. A total of 203 (96.7%) women living in urban areas had a good knowledge score,
compared with 94 (81.7%) in rural areas. Similarly, 180 (77.2%) illiterate women, 53 (86.8%) women with
primary education, 19 (86.3%) with secondary education, and 9 (100%) with higher education had good
knowledge. A favorable attitude was demonstrated by 198 women (60.9%), and 127 (39.1%) had a score below
50. Good contraceptive methods were practised by 102 women (31.4%), and 223 (68.6%) had poor practices.
Conclusion: There is a good level of knowledge, favourable attitudes, and poor practices regarding
contraception in postnatal women; however, there is a need to raise awareness regarding the practice of these
tools to ensure maternal health.

How to cite this: Tanveer H, Altaf S, Hafeez S, Anwar Z, Younas B, Khalil S. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Contraception Among Postnatal Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Single Institution in Lahore. Life and Science. 2025; 6(4): 516-521. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.978