Utilization of family planning methods by refugee women: a case study of Nakivale Refugee Settlement

Abstract

This study was carried out in Nakivale Refugee settlement with the general objective of analysing the use of family planning methods by refugee women. Specifically, it sought to identify the kind of family planning methods mostly used by refugee women in camp, determine factors influencing refugee women’s use of family planning methods and explore strategies for improving refugee women’s access to and utilisation of family planning methods. Information was collected using questionnaire, interviews and observation. The data were presented, interpreted and discussed using frequency and percent tables, cross-tabulations, Pearson’s chi-square test statistical method of analysis and content analysis. The findings revealed that the most commonly used family planning methods were modern methods such as injection, implants Norplant. They also indicated that the main factors that were significantly related to the use of family planning methods were: age, marital status, educational level, source of income, number of living children, desired family size, distance and travel time used to reach the nearest health unit. The study also showed that delays in service delivery, fears of side effects, discouragement by husband/ relatives can be the additional factors contributing to the use of family planning methods. Respondents gave ways of improving the refuge women’s access to and use of family planning methods such as encouraging refugee women to create time for health visits, training of local leadership to raise awareness of refugees about the importance having small family size and spreading out family planning outreach in all villages of settlement. The findings indicated that while the levels of family planning knowledge and favourable attitude were very high, the level of family planning use was very low in settlement. Based on the findings, the researcher recommends strategic needs for improving the situation in the area of study such as vigorous community-based family planning service strategy and incorporating refugee men and women in all family planning programs etc.