Knowledge and Behaviour Regarding Birth Prevention of Healthcare Providers.

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare providers are an important link with the general public to impart knowledge regarding contraception. They are an important source of providing information regarding different methods of contraception, their proper use and removing the myths from the couple's mind. However, their own attitude and practice of contraception are often lacking.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess the attitude and practice of contraception over the last 1 year of nurses in a tertiary care hospital in Jaipur.

METHODS: The study was conducted on 410 nurses in a tertiary care hospital. All were given a questionnaire that was duly filled by them, and the data obtained was analysed.

RESULTS: All were aware of at least one family planning method. Only 84% knew that contraceptives could space the pregnancy. Very few had correct knowledge about the fertile period or lactational amenorrhoea. Few were aware of emergency contraception and its proper implication (6.83%) The commonest was the barrier method (70%) followed by natural method (41.46%). There was shifting from natural method to barrier method and OC pills for few cycles.

CONCLUSION: Health workers have knowledge regarding contraception yet fail to use it regularly. Proper attitude and practice are essential to prevent unintended pregnancies and prevention of STDs. Their use will enhance counselling skills for general population.