Contraceptive knowledge is a key component of reproductive health, particularly in developing nations like India where unwanted births and high fertility rates continue to pose considerable problems to mother and child health. The deliberate prevention of conception using a variety of techniques is known as contraception, and it is essential for family planning, lowering maternal mortality, and enhancing the lives of women and families [1]. Access to contraception is emphasised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a basic human right [2].

India confronts particular challenges in promoting universal understanding and usage of contraceptives because of its large and varied population. There is still a gap in the awareness and use of contraceptive techniques, despite several governmental initiatives, including the 1952 governmental Family Planning Program and later initiatives through the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) programs [3]. According to statistics from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), women are highly aware of at least one type of contraception (almost 99%), but they still lack thorough knowledge on the benefits, side effects, and proper use of various methods [4].

The best way to spread knowledge about contraception is through antenatal care (ANC) visits. Women are already interacting with the healthcare system during these visits, and they are frequently open to receiving informational messages on postpartum family planning. In addition to preparing expectant mothers for postpartum decision-making, educating them about contraceptive alternatives helps dispel myths and cultural obstacles that could otherwise limit the use of contraception. (2020) Jain A et al. [5].

The delivery of healthcare has advanced significantly in the state of Gujarat, and more especially in the city of Jamnagar. However, due to variations in socioeconomic position, literacy levels, and availability to healthcare facilities, regional variances in contraceptive awareness still exist. & al. (2018), Patel T.[6]. Myths and misunderstandings about contraception are still common in rural and semi-urban settings. Furthermore, despite widespread awareness, the poor use of contraceptive techniques is a result of gender inequity and male-dominated decision-making. Sharma A. and associates (2017) [7].

Prior research has shown that pregnant women in India vary greatly in their awareness and usage of contraception. 95% of pregnant women had heard of contraception, according to a Maharashtra research, but just 47% knew of more than two methods, and even fewer could accurately identify their usage. P. Kulkarni and colleagues (2019) [8]. Only 39% of prenatal attendants in another Karnataka research planned to use contraception after giving birth, mostly as a result of inadequate advice. In 2020, Ramesh S. et al. [9]. Numerous demographic parameters, including as age, education, parity, religion, and socioeconomic level, have an impact on people's awareness of contraception. Women with higher levels of education are more likely to be aware of the advantages of spacing out pregnancies and to proactively seek out contraceptive guidance. [10] Thomas D. et al. (2019). Similarly, primigravida women frequently show hesitancy because of cultural expectations and familial pressure, whereas multiparous women are more likely to contemplate sterilisation. Singh S. and associates (2018) [11].

Healthcare professionals, particularly those working in ANC clinics, are crucial in influencing people's use of contraceptives. However, effective counselling is frequently hampered by lack of educational resources, insufficient training, and time restrictions. Banerjee A. and associates (2021) [12]. This gap can be filled and mother and child health outcomes can be greatly improved by including family planning services with regular ANC visits. The purpose of this study is to assess the degree of contraceptive knowledge among expectant mothers who visit the prenatal care outpatient department (OPD) at the G. G. Hospital and Shri M. P. Shah Government Medical College in Jamnagar. Targeted interventions and policy planning will be informed by knowledge about these women's awareness levels, information sources, and obstacles to using contraceptives.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured personal interview format.

Study Location: Shri M. P. Shah Government Medical College and G. G. Hospital, Jamnagar, Gujarat, 361008.

Study Duration: Two months.

Sample Size: 100 antenatal women attending the OPD during the study period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women aged 18–45 years
• Attending antenatal OPD during the study period
• Willing to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Critically ill patients
• Non-consenting individuals

Data Collection Method:

• Data was collected through face-to-face personal interviews using a pre-validated, semi-structured questionnaire.
• The questionnaire included sections on demographic details, awareness and knowledge of different contraceptive methods, sources of information, and attitude towards contraceptive use.

Statistical Analysis:

• Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS software.
• Descriptive statistics like frequency, percentage, and mean were used to summarize data.

Table 1: Demographic Profile of Respondents

The demographic details of the 100 research participants are shown in this table. Just 8% of respondents were older than 35, with the majority (50%) being in the 26–35 age range, followed by a 42% in the 18–25 age range. In terms of educational background, the majority of participants had completed secondary school (35%), followed by elementary school (28%), and 22% had advanced degrees or other credentials. Only 15% of people were illiterate. A population that is primarily youthful and relatively educated is reflected in this pattern.

Table 2: Awareness of Different Contraceptive Methods

The respondents' degree of knowledge on different forms of contraception is displayed in this table. The most often used technique was condoms (84%), followed by sterilisation (66%), and oral contraceptive pills (76%). 52% of respondents said they were aware of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD). There was a knowledge gap regarding injectable contraceptives, as fewer individuals were aware of them (28%) versus natural methods (33%).

Table 3: Source of Information on Contraceptives

The key sources that participants used to learn about contraception are shown in this table. The majority of the sources (60%) were healthcare professionals, underscoring the critical role that medical staff play in distributing information on reproductive health. The need to improve alternative channels of communication was shown by the fact that mass media was the second most popular source (25%), followed by friends or family (10%) and social media (5%).

Table 4: Intent to Use Contraception Postpartum

The intention of the respondents to utilise contraception following delivery is shown in this table. A sizable majority (72%) said they would be open to using contraceptive techniques after giving birth, but 28% said they had no plans to use any kind of contraception as all. These results highlight the research population's largely favourable attitudes on postpartum family planning.

With 84% of pregnant women knowing about condoms and 76% knowing about oral contraceptive pills, the study's results highlight the high level of contraception awareness among these women. However, there was relatively little knowledge about natural techniques and injectable contraception. These findings are consistent with other research that indicated more familiarity with short-term techniques like tablets and condoms, maybe as a result of their accessibility and advertising. (2020) Khokhar A et al. [13].  The fact that 60% of the information came from healthcare professionals suggests that ANC visits are essential for spreading knowledge about contraception. Similar patterns were noted in research from Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, where medical professionals were found to be the most reliable and often consulted source. Verma R et al. and Subramanian V et al. [14,15].

Additionally, the survey shows a positive intention to use contraception after giving birth (72%), which is greater than the percentages seen in other studies conducted in North India (60%). Mehta P. and associates (2016) [16]. This implies that women are becoming more receptive to family planning. However, 28% of respondents were reluctant, mostly due to cultural opposition, partner disapproval, and fear of adverse effects—barriers that are in line with regional and international research. (2015) Bhatia JC et al.[17].

The degree of awareness was significantly influenced by demographic characteristics. Higher and secondary educated women knew more about contraception and felt more positively about it. This is in line with the results of a study conducted in Kerala by Pillai S et al. (2018)[18], which highlighted education as a crucial factor in reproductive decision-making. The necessity for focused educational initiatives was highlighted by the noticeably lower awareness displayed by illiterate women and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged families.

Remarkably, just 5% of respondents mentioned social media as a source, suggesting that digital platforms are not being used to their full potential in reproductive health communication. This is yet an unexplored way to raise knowledge of contraception in a time when internet literacy is rising, particularly among younger women. In 2020, Kapoor A. et al.[19]. Even with the reasonable amount of knowledge, cultural stigma and prejudices continue to be strong obstacles. During interviews, myths about infertility brought on by the use of contraceptives, fear of side effects, and religious resistance were frequently brought up. Studies from Bangladesh and Nepal support these conclusions, emphasising the necessity of culturally competent counselling to address such issues. In 2019, Adhikari R. et al.[20].

Pregnant women who frequent the ANC OPD at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Jamnagar, Gujarat, have a comparatively high awareness of contraception, according to this study. The majority of women were aware of at least one contemporary type of birth control, with oral tablets and condoms being the most often used. The majority stated that they intended to use contraception after giving birth, suggesting that family planning methods are becoming more widely accepted.

However, the best use of contraceptives is hampered by societal and cultural hurdles as well as information gaps about long-acting and permanent treatments. Higher awareness levels were substantially correlated with exposure to healthcare providers and educational attainment. This emphasises how crucial it is to improve the standard of contraceptive counselling provided during prenatal visits.

A wider audience might be reached by utilising the underutilised mass media, particularly digital channels. To increase adoption and informed choice, customised interventions that address misconceptions, partner participation, and community-level engagement are required.  Existing gaps can be significantly closed by enhancing healthcare staff' communication skills and including formal contraceptive counselling into regular ANC visits. By encouraging appropriate reproductive choices, such initiatives will help to improve the health outcomes for both mothers and children.

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