Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to examine factors affecting utilization of family planning services among soldiers and their spouses. It was a cross-sectional study and primary data was collected to find out the factors associated with use of family planning services among respondents. A total of 300 soldiers and their spouses were interviewed. Analysis was done at univariate, bivariate and multivariate (binary logistic regression). The results showed that knowledge was very high but usage was low. Marital status, education level, occupation of spouse, cost, attitude/perception, availability of services/choice of method and knowledge on FP services were the factors that significantly had an association with use of FP services among the repondents. Sex, age and military rank had no statistical relationship with use of FP services. Results further showed that usage of family planning services among the respondents increased with increasing level of education. Formal employment for spouses had a positive increment in use of family planning services. High costs and poor attitude towards family planning reduces use. It is recommended that both soldiers and their spouses, males should be sensitized on the advantages associated with utilizing FP services and misconceptions attached to FP cleared. Similarly there is need for increase in the availability of condoms and lowering costs for contraceptives.
