Effect of task-oriented counselling on knowledge and attitude towards contraceptive practices among postnatal women

Background: Family planning and contraception play an important role in limiting overgrowing population and improving the maternal and child health. This study aimed to evaluates the knowledge and attitude towards contraception among postpartum women and the effect of task-oriented counselling on the same. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology of the teaching hospital of southern coastal India. Five hundred and twenty-one postnatal women aged between 18-45 years were included in this study. Along with the sociodemographic characteristics of the women, their knowledge, and attitude towards contraception were evaluated before and after counselling with the help of validated questionnaire. Results: It was observed that out of 521 women, 385 (74%) followed Hindu religion, 495 (95%) were literate, 380 (73%) were homemakers, and 318 (61%) were above the poverty line. Of all, 406 (78%) of women knew contraceptive methods, which rose to 485 (93%) after counselling, and it was mainly obtained from doctors in 198 (38%) women, from books in 141 (27%), and from other health care providers in 104 (20%) women. The need for contraception was recognised by 500 (96%) of the women after counselling. Conclusions: Task oriented counselling can improve knowledge as well as attitude regarding contraception among the postnatal women.