Examining Knowledge and Attitudes of Contraceptives and Family Planning Among Youths in Champhai, Mizoram, India: A Questionnaire Case Study

Abstract

One of the main barriers in family planning among young people is lack of knowledge in family planning and the use of contraceptives. The need for a mutual effort to instill knowledge in the minds of the youth has been underexplored. This paper examines the current knowledge of family planning, types of contraceptives and perceptions of young adults on their preference for the gender role of contraceptive users. Both primary and secondary data has been used. Especially primary data is used for analysis. Survey was conducted using structured questionnaires with 200 male and 200 female youths aged between 17-24 years who are currently enrolled in Government Champhai College. Data was analysed through percentage calculations using Microsoft Excel. Findings conclude that many youths have little knowledge about family planning, although they are familiar with the term ‘Family Planning’. It has been noted that 77.75% of youths are familiar with the term family planning and 77.25% also stated that they are familiar with at least one type of contraceptives among which condoms are the most widely known contraceptive among the male and female youths. However, 21.5% remained in the dark. 82.5% feel that sterilization should be performed in female while 14% favour it being performed in male. Regarding birth control, 54.5% prefer male users and 42.5% prefer female users. More awareness regarding family planning and gender roles should be developed among young adults, especially college students who are eligible to get marriage as family planning is not only about limiting number of children for couples but also a health issue, both in term of individual and societal health of the country.