Objective: To analyze the prevalence of different contraceptive methods used by married individuals, to assess their perceptions about family planning, and to identify the nature of relationship between perceived family planning and use of contraceptives.
Methodology: Correlational Research Design was used and data were collected from different urban and rural setups of Gujrat. In Step I, Family Planning Scale (FPS) was developed on the basis of literature review and in-depth semi structured interviews of 10 participants randomly selected from Gujrat. The Step II dealt with the translation of Knowledge of Contraceptive Methods Questionnaire (KCMQ). Forward-backward translation method was applied to scrutinize Urdu version of KCMQ. In Step III, FPS and KCMQ along with demographic sheet and informed consent form were administered on 120 married individuals (age range 20 to 50) with at least one child, purposively selected. Results: The condom was most common method (85%) followed by the rhythm (81.5%) and withdrawal (80%). Family planning mean scores were significantly higher than the population mean scores indicating positive attitude of people toward this issue. A significant moderate positive relationship between family planning and use of contraceptives existed and former significantly predicted later.
Conclusion: Perceived family planning significantly predicted the use of different contraceptive methods in positive direction among married individuals.
Key words: Family studies, Fertility, Contraceptive uses, Psychological assessment of attitudes.
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