Attitude and practice of contraception among gynecologists at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Medical healthcare providers are an important link with the general public to impart knowledge regarding contraception. However, their own attitude and practice of contraception is often lacking. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the attitude and practice of contraception over the last 5 years of the gynecologists themselves in a tertiary care hospital in Jaipur. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 125 female gynecologists in a tertiary care hospital in Jaipur. All were given a questionnaire which was duly filled by them and data obtained was analyzed. Results: All the doctors used some form of contraception. The mean age was 29.32 years. The commonest was the barrier method (38.4%) followed by OC pills (27.2%). Twenty-one percent of the barrier users used them occasionally. Emergency contraception was used by either those using natural methods of contraception or who were occasional users of OC pills or condoms. Fifty percent of the couples relying on natural methods conceived. Conclusion: Gynecologists have complete knowledge regarding contraception, yet fail to use it regularly. Proper attitude and practice is essential to prevent unintended pregnancies.