Cognition of conception risk: a knowledge based study in Uttar Pradesh, India

Prashant Verma, Banaras Hindu University
K.K Singh, Banaras Hindu University
Anjali Singh, Banaras Hindu University

In India, where most of decisions are taken by men in the family, it is essential for men to have the knowledge about the pregnancy risk during the menstrual cycle of women. The traditional contraceptive methods are still utilized by a large population in India; hence the knowledge about the pregnancy risk during the menstrual cycle is important to ward off the abortion due to unwanted pregnancy. In this paper an attempt has been made to examine the knowledge of urban male regarding the conception risk during menstrual cycle and the rationales behind such misconceptions. The study says that only one fifth males of the target population have the true knowledge about the pregnancy risk during menstrual cycle. It is found that media exposure, education, surroundings, age, and discussion with spouse about the reproductive issues are the main determinants of the knowledge about the pregnancy risk during menstrual cycle.