The Relationship of Educational Status with The Choice of Different Contraceptive Methods in Women of Reproductive Age

Background: The selection of contraceptive methods is often shaped by social and educational factors. In settings where women’s educational attainment remains limited, understanding how education influences contraceptive choices is essential for improving reproductive health strategies. This study aimed to examine the relationship between women’s educational status and the type of contraception used among women of reproductive age. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, from July to December 2023. A total of 144 women aged 18–40 years who were currently using contraception were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. Data regarding the type of contraceptive method and level of education were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 25. The association between educational attainment and contraceptive method was assessed using chi-square tests, and p≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 30.1 ± 5.6 years, and the mean duration of contraceptive use was 3.2 ± 1.7 years. One-third of the women were uneducated, 48(33.3%), followed by those with primary education, 42(29.2%). Implants were the most commonly used method, 42(29.2%), followed by condoms, 34(23.6%). A statistically significant association was observed between educational level and the choice of contraceptive method (p = 0.036). Conclusion: Educational background appeared to play a key role in shaping contraceptive preferences among women of reproductive age. Strengthening female education and awareness programs might support more informed reproductive health decisions in this population.