Awareness and contraception practices among childbearing women attending the Outpatient Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, District Headquarter Hospital, Dera Allah Yar, Jaffarabad, Balochistan

Background: Contraception is essential for reproductive health because it allows for birth spacing, lowers maternal and infant mortality, and empowers women. Due to systemic and sociocultural barriers, the use of contraceptive services is still low in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to contraception among women of childbearing age attending a public gynecology outpatient department (OPD) in rural Balochistan. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the OPD of the Gynecology and Obstetrics department at the District Headquarter Hospital, Dera Allah Yar, Balochistan, from June to August 2021. Using convenience sampling, a total of 125 women of childbearing age (18–44 years) were interviewed with voluntary participation and obtained verbal informed consent. A structured survey tool was developed specifically for this study based on expert input, and pilot testing was done to assess participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding contraception, including sources of information and reasons for non-use. Results: The mean age of the participants was 28.5 years. The age of most of the participants was between 18 and 44 years. Among the participants, 48% were educated, and 39% reported having an education below high school level, with the majority identifying as Muslim. While 58% of the participants were aware of contraception methods, only 28% reported practicing any contraceptive form. Among the known methods, the male condom was the most commonly used. Regarding the source of knowledge, TV and media were the primary sources of information (45%), followed by healthcare providers (25%). In case of non-use, fear about side effects was the main cause (54.5%), while the primary reason for contraception use was birth spacing (52.5%). A positive attitude towards contraception was observed in 65.5% of women. Chi-square analysis showed a significant association between higher education levels and contraceptive use (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Real contraceptive use was low in practice, despite a moderate level of awareness. Improving the use of contraception and reproductive autonomy in Balochistan requires culturally tailored approaches, thorough health education, and access to trustworthy information.