Family Planning Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among the Married Women and Men in Gilgit, Pakistan

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a cross sectional qualitative assessment, aimed at exploring knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding family planning in two Districts of Gilgit, Pakistan and also assess the factors that influence the need for and use of modern contraceptives. A cross sectional survey was carried out including married women and men aged 18 to 50 years. Overall 230 surveys were collected from the two selected districts (Hunza and Ghizer) of Gilgit, Pakistan. The results of the study demonstrate that good knowledge and positive attitude towards family planning discussion among married male and female was observed, yet less practice and use of modern contraception methods exist in the population. Most women and men (69.5%) have heard about family planning methods but only about 46.4 of married women and men have used contraceptives. The study examined knowledge, attitudes and contraceptive practice as well as factors related to contraceptive use in Gilgit, Pakistan.