Abstract:

Objective: This study sought to examine the relationship between knowledge levels of contraception, its usage, and the socio-demographic attributes of women of childbearing age registered at family health centers within the central district of Kırşehir province. Method: This study employed a cross-sectional epidemiological design. The study population comprised women aged 18 to 49 who were registered at family health centers within the central district of Kırşehir. A known sampling method was utilized to select a sample of 449 individuals. Data collection spanned from May 2023 to July 2023 and comprised two parts. The first part involved inquiries about sociodemographic characteristics and family planning utilization. In the second part, the Contraceptive Knowledge Assessment Scale was administered. Results: The preeminent sources of information on family planning were health institutions, cited by 33.4% of the participants, with 42.3% stating that they possessed sufficient information. Notably, 29.2% of participants reported experiencing unwanted pregnancies, and 27.8% disclosed the use of emergency contraception. Among the women in the study, 79.1% indicated the contraceptive pill/needle as the most frequently used modern method and 78% reported using the calendar method among traditional methods. Participants' median family planning knowledge scale score was 11.00 (Q1=8-Q3=14) points. An examination of the scale scores in conjunction with sociodemographic characteristics unveiled a statistically significant relationship between the number of children and knowledge scores (p=0.043). Conclusion: This study revealed that the level of knowledge concerning family planning methods fell short of the desired standard. Appropriate training and awareness programs regarding family planning methods need to be organized for different segments of society. In addition, it is important that staff working in primary healthcare institutions can carry out family planning consultancy services effectively.

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