Knowledge and Practice of Using Contraception among Iraqi Child Bearing Age Females

This study aims to explore the level of knowledge and practice of Iraqi women using contraceptives. A representative sample of 100 Iraqi married women aged 18-40 years used at least one contraception method was considered for this study. Data were collected from Al-Karkh Hospital for Childbirth in Baghdad by using structured questionnaire. Majority of the respondents had knowledge and awareness regarding pills. Fort-two women were using oral pills, while 32 were using intrauterine device. No one of the participants had knowledge about female sterilization. The vast majority of women got contraceptives from community pharmacies. Sixty-seven women had knowledge regarding missed dose of oral pills. Half of the respondents decided the number of children with their husband. Most of women (n=72) suffered from contraception side effect; the most common side effect was irregular bleeding. Finally, efforts should be made to educate the public on how to get the safe, convenient, long term reversible methods of contraception.