Abstract:
The objective of this study was to determine contraceptive usage and its association with socio-demographic factors, knowledge about contraception, attitudes towards contraception among 358 married women of reproductive age residing 2 townships in Mandalay, Myanmar. The data of this face to face interview study was analyzed by chi-square test to understand the association between independent factors and current contraception usage.
The study revealed that 43% of the women in the two townships in Mandalay were 25 to 34 years of age. 44.7% reported being married for more than ten years; more than half had 1 to 2 children and were housewives. Nearly all were Buddhist. Nearly half of the women had an income 50,001-100,000 Kyat per month.
The prevalence of contraceptive use among married women was 53.4%. The most commonly used methods were oral pill and injectables. The common reasons for not currently using contraceptives were being afraid of side effects, wanting to get pregnant, health reasons and husband objecting. Most of the women heard of contraceptive methods and half correctly answered 50-70% of the knowledge questions. Only 13 to 19% of women had a favorable attitudes towards contraception use.
The relationship between independent variables and current usage of contraception was analyzed by chi-square test. The result showed that 21 to 30 years old, those with 1 to 2 children, women married for 6 to 10 years, women with more knowledge and women with a moderate level of attitude towards contraception are significantly more likely to be contraceptive users. This information is needed to help educate women about contraception.
