Challenges in the utilization of modern family planning methods among young women in Buyende District
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Date
2011-10
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kampala International University, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Abstract
The research investigated the challenges in the utilization of modem
family planning methods in Buyende district. This concept was conceived
after reviewing the District Health Management Information System
(HMIS) reports and noticed that the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR)
of the district was consistently low for the previous three years, that is
2.5o/o, 2.8o/o and 3.5o/o for 2007/08, 2008/09/ and 2009/10 respectively.
This is a regrettable prevalence rate especially if compared with the
national prevalence of 18o/o, and where the contribution of contraception
to reduction in matemal mortality and morbidity is universally
acknowledged.
The study specifically sought to assess the level of knowledge about
modem family planning methods and its benefits; to establish cultural
beliefs and practices that hinder young women to use modem family
planning methods; to investigate existing rumors and misconceptions
associated with modem family planning methods; and to determine the
accessibility of modem family planning services by potential clients in
the district ..
The study was conducted through a cross-sectional survey design and
employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches with a view of
improving the utilization of modem family planning services. In this
study, modem family planning methods is generally defined as artificial
drugs or devices used to prevent the occurrence of pregnancy; and young
women refer to women and girls between 15 and 49 years of age. A
sample of 125 young women was randomly selected in two sample sub
counties of Kagulu and Nkodo and interviewed. Visits to health facilities
in the selected sub-counties were made by the researcher to observe
availability of modem contraceptives.
The data was collected and analyzed using a simple ordinarily developed
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Excel spread sheet where tables and graphs were generated for data
presentation.
The study findings established that although there was high level (89%) of
awareness about family planning, there was limited knowledge about the
benefits of family planning, and this has negative influence on the
contraceptive use.
The negative attitudes about modem family planning methods have led to
fuelling of myths and beliefs that hinder successful promotion of the
services. The common side effects that occur in some individuals are
always exaggerated, thus scaring away potential FP clients.
The existing cultural beliefs and practices of producing many children as
source of wealth. security and prestige has made women chose not use
modem FP methods since they are also associated with stopping child
birth
Long distance to the family planning clinics; rude or unfriendly health
workers; long waiting time before one is attended to; irregular availability
of contraceptives in health facilities; and lack of a variety of FP methods
are responsible for hindering women to access family planning services in
the district.
In view of above, recommendations to improve the situation were made.
The health worker should partner with religious, cultural, political leaders
and carry out intensified behavior change campaigns specifically putting
emphasis on benefits of family planning and also address the traditional
beliefs, which tend to discourage women from using modem methods of
contraception.
Establishment of more health facilities offering family planning services to
reduce on the long distance, and the services be made more widely
available and supply stocks should be maintained and replaced speedily
as that can affect positively.
Training of health workers to improve the quality of provider interaction
with clients, provider's knowledge and understanding of the methods and xiii
procedures, and staff competence in performing the procedures.
Deployment of more staff to units which are understaffed to reduce on the
work load and solve the problem of clients waiting for long before they are
served.
Last but not least, Health workers should provide women with information
on all family planning methods both during antenatal and as part of
postnatal counseling to make them aware of the methods available to
them.
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Description
A research submitted to the College Of Open And Distance Learning As partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Award of A Degree of Public Administration of Kampala International University
Keywords
Challenges, Utilization, Family planning methods, Buyende District