Factors influencing low utilisation of family planning methods among mothers attending Kapchorwa Hospital, Kapchorwa District
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Date
2017-07
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Kampala International University, School of Allied Health Sciences
Abstract
Background: An estimated 225 million women in developing countries would like to delay or stop childbearing but are not using any method of family planning including Uganda has a population of approximately 34.6 million people, of which almost 10 million are women of reproductive age (15-49 years). The annual growth rate is approximately 3.2 percent and the total fertility rate (TFR) remains high at 6.7 children per woman. As a result, Uganda is the third fastest growing country in the world (United Nations Population Division [UNPD], 2005). UDHS results show that only 24 percent of currently married women report current use of contraception and 41 percent have an unmet need for family planning.
Objectives: This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey, done to assess the factors influencing use of family planning methods among mothers attending Kapchorwa main hospital in Kapchorwa District. The specific objectives are to identify and assess the factors influencing the accessibility, uptake, prevalence and usage of family planning methods.
Methods: A structured closed ended questionnaire was administered to100 participants who came for family planning services at the family planning premises.
Results: Majority of the respondents, 33(33%) in number footed while 40(40%) were using taxes and 27(27%) were using motorcycles as means of transport to the health center. Most of the respondents 78(78%) had ever heard about family planning while 22(22%) had never heard about family planning, 60(60%) of the respondents said F/P was bad and they gave various reasons to support their answers,64(64%) indicated that F/P is to kill, 2(2%) said it was against God’s will and Concerning culture 55(55%) said that F/P reduces the clan and 80(80%) reported to often experience side effects.
Discussion: The study revealed that although majority of the people 78(78%) knew about F/P, only 36(36%) had promised to continue using family planning, According to the research 30(30%) respondents interviewed had positive attitude toward F/P, 10(10%) did know while 60(60%) had negative attitude due myths, beliefs and misconception about F/P.
Conclusion: Despite the knowledge on contraceptives, Majority did not endeavor to use them, Cultural, religious beliefs, poor infrastructure and lack of men participation contributed to low utilization of F/P method.
Recommendations: Ministry of health should conduct seminars on family planning and train more health workers on family planning methods and their importance on the society. More health centers and good roads should be constructed to ease access to the health facilities.
Description
Research report submitted to school of allied health sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of diploma in Clinical Medicine and Community Health Kampala International University, Western Campus
Keywords
Low utilisation of family planning methods, Kapchorwa Hospital, Kapchorwa District