Knowledge and Awareness of Lactational Amenorrhea Method as a Contraceptive Method among spouses of postpartum women – A Descriptive Crosssectional study in a Tertiary care hospital in Chengalpattu district

Abstract

Background:The postpartum period is a critical window for initiating effective contraception to prevent unintended pregnancies and ensure optimal birth spacing.
The Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) is a simple, cost-effective, and natural contraceptive method that provides up to 98% protection when practiced under
specific conditions. Despite its effectiveness, awareness regarding LAM remains low, particularly among male partners, who play a significant role in family
planning decisions.
Objectives: To assess the knowledge and awareness of the Lactational Amenorrhea Method among spouses of postpartum women and to identify sociodemographic factors associated with knowledge levels.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 spouses of postpartum women attending the postnatal wards of a tertiary care hospital
over a period of three months (October–December 2025). Participants aged ≥21 years whose partners had delivered within the past six months were included using
a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire covering socio-demographic details, obstetric characteristics,
knowledge, awareness, and attitudes regarding LAM. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test to determine associations, with p<0.05
considered statistically significant.
Results: Among the 100 participants, the majority were aged 26–30 years (36%) and belonged to nuclear families (64%). Only 34% had heard about LAM, and
26% were aware that it acts as a contraceptive method. Knowledge regarding key criteria was limited, with 30% aware that the infant should be less than six
months old, 28% aware of exclusive breastfeeding, and 24% aware of the requirement of amenorrhea. Only 14% knew that LAM is more than 98% effective.
Overall, 48% of participants had poor knowledge, 32% had average knowledge, and only 20% demonstrated good knowledge. Despite poor knowledge, attitudes
were favorable, with 68% agreeing that husbands should support LAM use and 76% supporting health education for couples. Educational status showed a
statistically significant association with knowledge level (p=0.003), while age, income, and family type were not significantly associated.
Conclusion: The study revealed low levels of knowledge and awareness regarding LAM among spouses of postpartum women, despite generally positive attitudes
toward its use. Educational status was a key determinant of knowledge. There is a need for targeted educational interventions and inclusion of male partners in
postpartum family planning counseling to improve awareness and promote appropriate use of LAM.