Evaluating Knowledge and Practices on Injectable Contraceptive Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (Antara) Among Working Women of Reproductive Age in a Metropolitan City: Development of an Educational Booklet

Abstract

Introduction: Injectable contraceptives, especially medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), often marketed as Antara, are now a crucial part of family planning services since they give women a dependable and adaptable means of birth control. Working women of reproductive age still lack sufficient understanding and practices around it, particularly in urban areas.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 150 working women of reproductive age,
selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires to assess the participants’ knowledge and selfreported practices inventory used to assess practices of injectable contraceptive MPA (Antara).

Results: The study revealed that the majority of participants (79.3%) had excellent knowledge about injectable contraceptive MPA under Antara, 20% had good knowledge, while only 0.7% were categorized in the average knowledge range, with no one having poor knowledge. Regarding practices, 99.3% of the women reported excellent practices, and 0.7% reported good practices. There was a strong positive correlation between knowledge and practices, with a P = 0.001, indicating statistical significance at P < 0.05. However, no significant association was found between knowledge and practices and the selected demographic variables (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: According to the study, women of reproductive age had an outstanding understanding and use of injectable contraceptives, such as MPA (Antara). The results highlight the necessity of ongoing educational programs and healthcare providers’ participation to raise knowledge, guarantee effective contraceptive usage, and lower the injectable contraceptive dropout rate.