Utilisation of contraceptive services in Kyarusozi Sub-county Kyenjojo District

Abstract

This study dealt with utilisation of contraceptive services in rural areas of Uganda and specifically Kyarusozi Sub County in Kyejonjo district. The main aim of the study was to identify socio-economic and demographic factors that influence the utilisation of contraceptive services. The specific objectives of the study were: to identify respondents levels of awareness about the importance of contraceptive use, to find out if the intended users have access to information about contraceptives and to identify socio economic and demographic factors that influence contraceptive use. The study used primary data and which had a total of 480 respondents. The study findings were analysed at three levels namely univariate, bivariate and multivariate.It was found out that although majority of respondents knew the importance of contraceptives and had access to information about it, mainly from school and peers. The study also found out that majority of respondents had never used modern contraceptives mainly because of the influence of cultural norms and fear of side effects associated with various contraceptives. There was an association between education level, marital status and distance to the nearest public health facility, awareness of the importance of contraceptive use and access to information on contraceptive use .However religion had no effect on contraceptive use. At multivariate level logistic regression was used to measure the extent to which demographic and socio -economic factors influence the utilisation of contraceptives services. The regression results showed that education levels, marital status, one’s religion and distance to the nearest public health facility had an influence on contraceptive use while awareness of the importance of contraceptives and access to information did not have an effect. There is a need for political attention to contraceptive use and carrying out more research on specific contraceptive methods users claim to have side effects if utilisation of contraceptives was to increase.