iarjmsIARJMSIARJMS2708-359410.47310/iarjms.2025.v06i01.004Not Just Family Planning: Evaluating Awareness of Modern Contraceptive Methods Among Men and Women in Himachal PradeshBackground: Family planning plays a critical role in promoting reproductive health by enabling individuals and couples to make informed decisions regarding childbearing. While modern contraceptive methods offer a range of safe and effective options, myths, gender biases, and cultural taboos continue to impede their optimal use, particularly in semi-urban and rural regions of India. This study seeks to evaluate knowledge levels, identify prevailing misconceptions, and assess the extent of male participation in contraceptive decision-making. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, community-based online survey was conducted among 420 adult men and women across rural and semi-urban areas of Himachal Pradesh between January and March 2025. A bilingual, pre-validated questionnaire covering socio-demographic details, contraceptive knowledge, perceptions, myths, and male participation was administered via Google Forms. Convenience sampling was employed, and data were analyzed using SPSS Version 26.0. Knowledge scores were categorized into four levels: Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor. Results: The majority of participants (39.0%) were aged 18–25 years, with women representing 56.4% of the sample. Awareness of commonly used contraceptive methods was generally high, with 82.6% identifying the purpose of modern contraception and 80.7% recognizing condoms' role in STI prevention. However, misconceptions persisted regarding implants, injectables, and the safety profile of contraceptive pills. While 75% of respondents exhibited Good or Very Good knowledge, 25% demonstrated only Fair or Poor understanding. Encouragingly, 83.6% acknowledged male involvement as vital in family planning decisions. Social media and community health programs emerged as the preferred platforms for promoting contraceptive awareness. Conclusion: Although awareness of modern contraceptive methods in Himachal Pradesh is steadily improving, significant knowledge gaps and lingering myths remain, particularly concerning less familiar contraceptive options. A gradual cultural shift toward male engagement in family planning is evident but requires reinforcement. Sustained, culturally sensitive educational campaigns, enhanced community health worker training, and inclusive outreach initiatives are essential to bridge knowledge gaps, dispel myths, and promote shared responsibility in reproductive health.