Knowledge and Attitudes about Reproductive Health among Married Women (teenage and more than 25 years) in Maternity Outpatient and Family Planning Clinics at Beni-Sueif University Hospital

Research Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to assess reproductive health knowledge and attitudes and their relationship among married women (teenage and more then 25 years) attending maternity outpatient clinics at Beni-sueif University Hospital. The study was conducted at the maternity outpatient clinics, and family planning at Beni-sueif University hospital. It comprised 516 women. Data collection tools included a structured interview form to assess reproductive health knowledge and attitudes and their relationship among married women in the sample. The study has shown that the prevalence of contraception use was 81.4%, mostly IUD (56.7%), and hormonal pills (264%). The main sources of information about reproductive issues were mothers and grandmothers, doctors and nurses, and media. Only 47.3% of the women had satisfactory knowledge, and 24.6% had positive attitudes. Women knowledge had a statistically significant association with their birthplace, education, job status, and age at marriage, husbands’ birthplace, and education, fathers’ education and job, crowding index, family monthly income, parity, current state of pregnancy, attendant of the first and last of delivery, the mode of last delivery, and the use of contraceptive methods. Statistically significant associations were revealed between women’ attitude and their birth place, education, husband’s and fathers’ education, and attendant of the last delivery. A statistically significant association between knowledge and attitudes, p<0.001. More women in the adult group had satisfactory knowledge (51.9%), compared to the teenage group (42.3%), p=0.03. It was concluded that there is a lack knowledge and a high level of negative attitude about reproductive health, more among teenage married women. It was recommended that nurses should encourage women attending MCH to ask about any information they need, with establishment of teaching classes in each obstetric and gynecological unit. A health campaign should be launched to fight misconceptions. A similar study should be carried out targeting women who are not users of healthcare facilities, and women in rural and underprivileged areas.

Research Keywords

Knowledge and Attitudes about Reproductive Health among Married Women (teenage and more than 25 years) in Maternity Outpatient and Family Planning Clinics at Beni-Sueif University Hospital