Utilization of modern family planning methods among rural women of reproductive aged (15-49 yrs), Kasese District

Abstract

Introduction: Utilization of family planning services and contraception is critical with the world population currently at seven billion inhabitants. Unfortunately, too many people (250 million) do not have the means to control their fertility. Fertility levels have remained high in Uganda, with the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) dropped from 6.2 children per woman to 5.8 children per woman. The TFR is higher in the rural areas (6.8 children per woman) compared to urban areas (3.8 children per woman).The study assessed the factors affecting the utilization of modern family planning methods among rural women of reproductive age (15-49yrs) in Kasese District.

Methods:The study was carried out in Kasese district. This study was a cross-sectional which employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches that included structured questionnaires, 6 FGDs and 24key informant interviews that were used to collect detailed views of research participants in response to the research questions. The choice of this design was due to the fact that, data were captured at one point in time. Quantitative data from the survey was analyzed using STATA12 statistical package. Univariate, Bivariate and Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the influencing factors affecting the utilization of MFPM. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analyses where the transcripts were reviewed several times, and a set of codes were developed to describe groups of words, or categories, with similar meanings.

Results: A total of 524 respondents were interviewed in this study. However, the sample size was estimatedto be 528, four respondents did not respond. The mean age of respondents was 27.9 years (SD 8.7), ranging from 15 to 48 years. Majority of the respondents 60.9% (319/524) were married with children. Of the 524 respondents interviewed, nearly all respondents 90.8% (476/524) had ever heard of modern family planning. The odds of utilization of MFP among Muslim women were 3 times higher as compared to protestants (OR=3.0; 95% CI: 1.76-5.22) as shown in table 6.3.1. After controlling for other factors, utilization of MFP was associated with; being Muslim (AOR=8.5; 95% CI: 2.18-32.83), being a Mutooro (AOR= 6.2; 95% CI: 1.39-27.72) and radio as source of information (AOR=2.6 1.11-6.29). Mediating factors such as knowledgeable about MFP services, ever discussed MFP with husband, and family in support of MFP were found to be significantly associated with utilization of MFP methods (OR; 5.2, 95% CI: 3.43-7.82).

Conclusion: Relatively small proportions of women of reproductive age are using any MFP methodin Kasese district (35.9%) which is higher than the national prevalence of any MFP method of 25.9% yet slightly below the National target of 40% by 2014/2015 as set in the Health Sector Strategic and Investment Plan of 2010/2015. Injectables were the most used method among rural women of reproductive age followed by pills and the male condoms. Religion and Tribe are important individual factors affecting utilization of MFP methods among women of child bearing age in Kasese district. The study recommended that efforts should be made to explain to all women of reproductive age the benefits as well as possible side effects of the method(s) one may wish to use. This will enable the women to make an informed decision in relations to the use of Modern Family Planning methods.