Comparative Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Family Planning among Educated and Non-educated Couples in Pakistan

Asima Mehaboob Khan; Rizwan Taj; Aamir Naveed; Abdul Wali; Hareema Saeed Khan

Asima Mehaboob Khan Senior Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatry Department Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad Pakistan Islamabad, Pakistan
Rizwan Taj Dean and Chairperson Psychiatry Department of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad
Aamir Naveed Postgraduate Psychiatry Trainee, Psychiatry Department Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad
Abdul Wali Postgraduate Psychiatry Trainee, Psychiatry Department Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad
Hareema Saeed Khan Associate Physician, Department of Medicine, Federal Government Polyclinic , Islamabad

Keywords: Global Population Growth, Family Planning, Contraceptives, Comparative Research Design

Abstract

Objective: To compare the knowledge, attitude and practices of family planning among educated and non educated couples.
Methodology: The study investigated the difference in knowledge, attitude, and practice of family planning among 120 married couples in Pakistan (Rawalpindi and Islamabad), using a comparative research design. The main instrument used was a 25-item questionnaire in Urdu, and statistical analysis was done using the t-test and One Way ANOVA. The questionnaire was administered in individual settings after obtaining written informed consent from the participants, and unstructured interviews were also conducted.

Results: The analysis found significant differences in family planning knowledge, attitudes, and practices between educated and uneducated couples. Furthermore, it indicates that males have more knowledge and practice in family planning than females, but no significant difference in attitudes. The t-tests suggests significant differences in knowledge and practice between educated and uneducated couples, but not in attitudes. Overall, the results support the hypothesis that education affects family planning knowledge and practice.

Conclusion: This study examined family planning among educated and uneducated couples in Pakistan and found that education positively influences knowledge, attitude, and practice of family planning. The study emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive and gender-responsive family planning interventions, education-based interventions, and media exposure to raise awareness about population issues and family planning.