Knowledge attitude and practice towards use of long term methods of family planning. a community based survey among women of reproductive age in Lubaga division, Kampala district

Abstract

Background Fertility rate in Uganda continues to be high despite the existence of several family planning methods. The use of long term methods of Family Planning (FP) such as the Intra Uterine Device, implant and sterilization by women of reproductive age, can reverse the high fertility rate trend and also reduce maternal mortality Objectives To assess knowledge, attitudes and practices on long term family planning methods among women of reproductive age group in Lubaga division in order to provide information to improve uptake of long term methods of FP and maternal health outcomes. Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving 454 women of reproductive age 15-49 years selected using a multi-stage sampling technique in Lubaga division Kampala, central Uganda. Key informant interviews were conducted to ascertain expert opinion on use of long term Family Planning methods. Descriptive statistics and proportion of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding long term family planning method were calculated. Factors influencing use of long term FP methods were determined using logistic regression and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The level of knowledge among women regarding long term methods of family planning was high at (74.9%) and Implant 74.2% was the most commonly known method. Over half, (52%) of the respondents had positive attitudes toward use of long term methods of family planning. Among the 274 respondent who were using family planning, only (25%) were using the long term xii methods of family planning. Women whose partners did not get involved in family planning and women with negative attitude (AOR = 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.8), (AOR=0.1, 95% CI 0.0-0.2) were less likely to use long term FP methods respectively. A positive association was also noted between use of long term FP methods and women who had attained secondary and tertiary level of education (AOR= 4.6, 95% CI of 1.6-12.6), (AOR=5.5, 95% CI of 1.5-19.8) respectively. Women who obtained FP service from government facilities (AOR=3.2, 95% CI, 2.1-4.8) were more likely to use long term methods of family planning. Conclusion  Despite the high level of knowledge and positive attitude, use of long term FP methods is still very low. Factors that influence use of long term FP methods were crosscutting between social demographic, reproductive health and environmental factors. Use of long term FP methods can be improved through continuous health education involving partners or spouses, Individualized services should initiated and rendered to people so as to minimize the barriers that may be hindering the use of long term family planning.