A STUDY ON THE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE CONTRACEPTIVE MEASURES AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE AVAILABILITY OF OVER THE COUNTER (OTC) ORAL PILLS(OCs) AND USAGE IN KANNUR DISTRICT, KERALA STATE, INDIA

Abstract

This study aim to fill the knowledge gap by providing scientific information about the contraceptive measures prevailed and the preference among methods and attitude towards over the counter(OTC) availability of the Oral pills(OCs).The study was conducted at kottayam district in Kerala State.The number of respondents was 42 aged from 17yrs to 38 yrs of th old. 30 female and 12 male who are all educated 12 standard to PG. Respondents from different religion caste and different socioeconomic level could be included. They were having general information about the contraceptives and usage.Respondent's awareness was incomplete about the usage and its side effects if any.Because it is not scheduled in the awareness programs in the school,college level in the Kerala State.The needy clients may have get some information with some methods by the health personals.42 respondents were answered questionnaire that has four part, demographic profile, knowledge about contraceptives, side effects and attitude towards the usage .100% of the respondents have heard about contraceptive measures,though inadequate information regarding all the measures and methods.In the knowledge part 100% respondents have reported that they know about condom and vasectomy.The data shows only 7(16%) of the respondents have the information about Norplant. Regarding oral pill, combination of estrogens and progesterone 12 (48.57%) has the information. Though 100% respondents know about oral pills with progesterone what is it and its usage. Seeing their attitude regarding the availability of the contraceptive pills Over the Counter (OTC) without a screening and prescription100% respondents opined that it should be availed through OTC.