Uptake of modern family planning methods and associated factors among young people (15-24 years) in Wakiso District Central Region, Uganda.

Abstract

Introduction: Youth friendly services are designed to make health services accommodate the unique needs of youth including modern FP. A big proportion of young people however are not knowledgeable, and not comfortable in utilizing these services; resulting into several challenges of unsafe sex such as increased teenage pregnancies, and other STIs. This study assessed the uptake of modern FP and its associated factors among young people (15-24 years) in Wakiso district.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2021 among 180 sexually active young people. It consisted of a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods. Participants for qualitative analysis included 16 IDIs and 36 key informants. Systematic sampling was used to select young people for the survey while purposive sampling was used for qualitative participants. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered for the survey while key informants and in-depth-interview guides were used to collect qualitative data. Quantitative data was organised and entered into epi info data version 3.1 and exported to STATA 14 for analysis. Qualitative interviews were recorded, transcribed and translated to English. Thematic content analysis was performed.

Results: Majority of participants were females 159(88.3%), 104 (57.8) had secondary education and 70(38.8%) were 21-24 years. Modern FP uptake was 51.4%, the most preferred modern FP method being condoms (51.1%). Young people had a good perception towards the use of modern family planning (54.2%) and factors which influenced the uptake of Modern Family Planning among young people (15-24 years) included , religion, occupation, number of children one had and if one had been in any sexual relationship. KI interviews indicated that condom was the most preferred method attributed by its less side effects and that the young people had a good perception towards modern family planning use due to the fact that it prevents them from early pregnancies thus the opportunity to keep in school.

Conclusion: Majority of the Young people used modern family planning. This uptake was influenced by religion, occupation, number of children one had and if one had been in a sexual relationship. In order to improve modern family planning uptake, religion, occupation, number of children and sexual activity of young people should be considered