Knowledge, Perception and Utilization of Family Planning Services: A Case Study of Ward No. 10, Tribhuwan Municipality, Dang District

Abstract

This study is based on the primary data collected from Tribhuwan Municipality-10 of Dang district in 2007 which includes the 145 respondents of currently married women aged 15 – 49 yrs as a sample size. The objective of the study is to examine the knowledge, perception and utilization of family planning methods in study area. It provides the socio-economic background of the respondents, educational states of economic background of the respondents, about the exposure to family planning method, side effects and treatment of those effects reasons for not using FP methods and so on. The level of knowledge, attitude and practice varies with same background variables such as education, occupation, family size. In study area majority of respondents (95.2%) have knowledge on at least one method of family planning and among those respondents 3.5 percent respondents are familiar with male sterilization. The most familiar exposure to family planning methods in study area is radio/TV because 79.7 percent respondents reported that they have got knowledge FP methods through Radio/TV. About 82 percent respondents reported that 20 yrs and above is the appropriate age for child bearing and 79.7 percent respondents expressed that 4 yrs and above is respondents (89.9%) have ever used any family planning method. Some respondents are not using any FP method because of the desire for son. The respondents reported various types of side effect of FP methods among these side effects irregular menstruation is reported mostly followed by weakness, irregular bleeding, vomiting, stomach pain and less interest in sexual intercourse. In the study area temporary methods of FP are seen the most common to respondents comparing to permanent methods. The respondents reported good perception towards the FP methods and health workers who provides the FP services.