Original Articles GENDER BASED DIFFERENCES IN KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS OF CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS IN LAHORE.

Abstract

Background:
Pakistan is the sixth most populous country in the world with low contraceptive prevalence rate (34%) and high unmet need for family planning (17.2%). This study was carried out to assess the knowledge of contraceptive methods among medical students and to highlight the importance of family planning methods through effective family education program in both young males and females of Pakistan.

Material & Methods:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among students of Akhtar Saeed Medical and Dental institutions and a sample of 240 participants was collected through non-probability convenience sampling technique. After IRB clearance, a structured questionnaire was given to the participants for data collection. First year students from MBBS, BDS, DPT, Pharm D and nursing, who gave the informed consent and were willing to participate, were included in the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Bivariate analysis was conducted to assess the gender difference in knowledge regarding contraceptive methods in students by keeping p value less than 0.05 as significant.

Results:
This study included 240 students, out of which, 83(34.6%) were males and 157(65.4%) were females. It was observed that females had better knowledge and understanding of natural, temporary and permanent methods of contraception with significant p value = 0.00. Females were more in favour of use of contraceptive methods in future with p value = 0.00 and they had more knowledge of uses of oral contraceptive pills with p value < 0.00. It was found out during the survey, that raised family income/month was directly proportional to the better knowledge level regarding all types of contraception with p value < 0.05. Parent’s educational status had also positively affected the knowledge of contraceptive methods of participants of this study.

Conclusion:
A significant difference was observed in positive knowledge of female students regarding contraceptive methods. However, no significant difference among male and female students was found regarding barriers in contraceptive use and their satisfaction levels toward need of improvement of family planning services in Pakistan.