Abstract

BRIDGING THE KNOWLEDGE GAP: EMPOWERING INFORMED CHOICES ON CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS

*Geethika Marupakala, Sreenu Thalla and Puttagunta Srinivasa Babu

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Abstract

This is an survey based study. This survey analyzes the awareness, understanding, and perceptions of contraceptive pills among 552 participants, highlighting significant gaps and misconceptions. Familiarity with hormonal pills varies, with only about half of respondents demonstrating strong knowledge, while others express limited or no familiarity. Awareness is highest for combined oral contraceptives but lower for other types, like emergency contraceptive pills, suggesting a need for broader public education. Many respondents lack an understanding of contraceptive mechanisms, side effects, and proper usage, with misconceptions about administration frequency and potential risks. Responses reveal that only 55% of participants know that contraceptive pills should be taken daily, with others incorrectly suggesting weekly or monthly intervals. While nausea is recognized as a common side effect, there's confusion about other less typical effects, like hallucinations. Education on contraceptives is mainly obtained through school or healthcare providers, though social media plays a role as well. Regarding birth control options, hormonal methods and IUDs are well-recognized, while others, like natural family planning and sterilization, are less known. When it comes to access and confidence, only a small majority express high confidence in obtaining contraceptives. Participants report needing more information, especially on the effectiveness and side effects of different contraceptive methods, underscoring a demand for comprehensive and accessibl e contraceptive education.

Keywords: Contraceptive awareness, hormonal pills, combined contraceptives, action mechanisms, effects, education sources, birth control types