"Empowering Reproductive Choices: A Comprehensive Review of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Contraceptive Methods from a Nursing Perspective"

Abstract: Contraception is a cornerstone of reproductive health, enabling individuals and couples to plan pregnancies, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and improve overall quality of life. Despite the availability of a wide range of modern contraceptive methods, unmet need for family planning remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) related to contraceptive methods play a critical role in determining utilization patterns and reproductive health outcomes. Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, are uniquely positioned to influence contraceptive awareness, perceptions, and behaviors through education, counseling, and advocacy. This review article aims to critically examine existing literature on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of contraceptive methods, highlighting determinants, barriers, and facilitators from a nursing perspective. The article discusses types of contraceptive methods, levels of awareness and misconceptions, attitudinal influences including sociocultural and gender dynamics, and actual practices of contraception among different populations. The role of nurses in family planning services, including counseling strategies, community outreach, ethical considerations, and policy implications, is explored in depth. By synthesizing evidence from global and Indian contexts, this review underscores the need for strengthening nursing-led interventions to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, promote positive attitudes, and enhance contraceptive uptake. The findings emphasize that empowering nurses through training and supportive health systems is essential for achieving reproductive health goals and sustainable development.