Sajid Ali1, Franklin Mm White. 1. Department of Community Health Sciences, Public Health Physician RPHB, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022, USA. sajidali@uab.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with family planning practices among currently married women in Khairpur District, Sindh, Pakistan. DESIGN: Cross-sectional community-based survey. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: From May to June 2000 in Khairpur District, Sindh. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to interview 300 subjects from the study area. Stratified cluster sampling was done to collect information on knowledge and use of family planning methods and other sociodemographic factors from the respondents. RESULTS: In this series 62% of the women were illiterate. Nearly 45% of the women were in the age group of 25-34 years. Exposure to family planning messages was greater by television (66%) than by radio (55%). The prevalence of family planning methods among married women was 27%. Oral contraceptive pills were the predominant method used (32%). Regarding sociodemographic factors, more than four living children, exposure to family planning messages on TV, and husband's approval were the main factors associated with the use of family planning methods. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of family planning is still low in upper Sindh area. In addition to continued use of mass media (television and radio), involvement of males should be incorporated in future family planning initiatives.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with family planning practices among currently married women in Khairpur District, Sindh, Pakistan. DESIGN: Cross-sectional community-based survey. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: From May to June 2000 in Khairpur District, Sindh. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to interview 300 subjects from the study area. Stratified cluster sampling was done to collect information on knowledge and use of family planning methods and other sociodemographic factors from the respondents. RESULTS: In this series 62% of the women were illiterate. Nearly 45% of the women were in the age group of 25-34 years. Exposure to family planning messages was greater by television (66%) than by radio (55%). The prevalence of family planning methods among married women was 27%. Oral contraceptive pills were the predominant method used (32%). Regarding sociodemographic factors, more than four living children, exposure to family planning messages on TV, and husband's approval were the main factors associated with the use of family planning methods. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of family planning is still low in upper Sindh area. In addition to continued use of mass media (television and radio), involvement of males should be incorporated in future family planning initiatives.