A medical-surgical perspective on assessing the effectiveness of a health education programmed on knowledge regarding family planning in Jaipur Slums

Background: Family planning is crucial for ensuring maternal and child health; however, knowledge and utilization remain low in urban slum populations due to sociocultural and economic barriers. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured health education program in improving awareness about family planning methods among slum residents in Jaipur, India.
Objectives: To assess the impact of a health education intervention on the knowledge of family planning methods among individuals in selected urban slums.
Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was used. A total of 100 participants from selected slum areas of Jaipur were enrolled using purposive sampling. A structured questionnaire assessed knowledge levels before and after the health education programmed. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The majority of participants were female, married, and from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Pre-test results showed limited knowledge of contraceptive options. After the educational intervention, a significant increase in knowledge was observed, particularly regarding hormonal methods, spacing techniques, and permanent solutions. The mean post-test scores were statistically higher than pre-test scores (p<0.05), indicating the program’s effectiveness.
Conclusion: The study highlights the positive impact of targeted health education on improving awareness of family planning in underserved urban slum populations. Such interventions are crucial to empowering individuals, enhancing reproductive autonomy, and achieving broader public health goals.