Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Family Planning Methods among Muslim Community at Dhakdhai VDC Nepal

Abstract

Background: It is believed that due to religious belief, Muslims were far behind in family planning practice but the reality would be different. Therefore, this research was intended to find out the knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning methods among Muslim community in in Dhakdhai VDC of Rupandehi district. Methods: This was a descriptive study carried out among 50 Muslim women of reproductive age having at least one child in Dhakdhai VDC of Rupandehi district. Samples were selected purposively. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information. The collected data were analyzed manually in terms of frequency, percentages, proportion and other analytical methods of statistics. Results: The study revealed that 74% respondents were illiterate. 92% women had knowledge of family planning methods. But all the respondents told that using family planning methods is against their religion especially permanent family planning methods. Only 32% respondents were using family planning methods. Women between 15-29 had 1-4 children and 30-49 years women had 4-8 children. Conclusions: Literacy rate, awareness and utilization of family planning methods among Muslim women is low. Therefore education status of the Muslim women should be improved and health education programs should be conducted on family planning methods. Keywords: attitude; family planning methods; knowledge; Muslim community; practice.