Comparison of Family Planning Knowledge and Practices in Rural and Urban Communities of Midnapore

Abstract

Background & Aims: Family planning is crucial for a country's development as it enhances maternal and child health and helps control population growth. Eligible couples should possess adequate knowledge and practice of family planning methods. This study aimed to assess and compare the knowledge and practices of eligible couples regarding selected family planning methods in both rural and urban areas of Midnapore. The specific objectives were: 1. To assess knowledge regarding selected family planning methods; 2. To compare knowledge between rural and urban couples; 3. To assess family planning practices; 4. To examine the association between selected demographic variables and knowledge scores; 5. To develop an informational booklet related to family planning methods.

Methods: The study employed a comparative descriptive design. Samples were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire comprising four sections: demographic variables, knowledge regarding temporary methods, knowledge regarding permanent methods, and family planning practices. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including mean, standard deviation, mean percentage, median, student's t-test, and chi-square test, were utilised to analyse the data.

Results: It was found that the majority of rural (94 per cent) and urban (84 per cent) wives were aged between 15 and 25 years. In rural areas, 84% of husbands had higher secondary education, while 48% of wives had secondary education. Additionally, 64% of participants in both rural and urban settings belonged to joint families. A significant proportion of rural respondents (54%) reported a monthly income of Rs. 1001–3000, whereas 62% of urban respondents earned between Rs. 3001 and 5000. Health personnel were the primary source of information for both rural (64%) and urban (86%) areas. The mean knowledge score was 23.8 (SD = 5.8) for rural couples and 40.0 (SD = 11.9) for urban couples. Only 4% of rural couples and 32% of urban couples reported using family planning methods. Demographic variables such as wife’s age, education, and family income did not show a significant association with knowledge scores.

Conclusion: The study revealed that knowledge of family planning methods was average among rural couples and satisfactory among urban couples. However, the practice of family planning methods was notably low, particularly in rural areas, indicating a gap between knowledge and practice. This highlights the need for targeted educational interventions to enhance the uptake of family planning methods.