Determinants of use of modern family planning methods: A case of Baringo North District, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Globally, there is an increasing unmet need for safe and effective family planning services. Most women in Africa, just like in many parts around the world, desire to control both the number and timing of births but lack an effective contraceptive method. The uptake of family planning (FP) services is low in Baringo North District. The overall objective of the study was to describe factors influencing use of modern FP methods. Specific objectives were (i) To investigate the role of knowledge, attitude and practice on the utilization of modern FP methods; (ii) To assess the influence of socio-cultural factors on uptake; and (iii) To associate and correlate the various factors with use of these methods. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The district was stratified according to the four administrative divisions. Total sample size was proportionately allocated to each of the four strata then to the two health facilities that were purposively selected per strata. Women in the reproductive age group that met inclusion criteria attending outpatient service at the selected health facilities were consecutively recruited into the study. Data was collected through interviewer administered questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were generated and results considered significant at 95% confidence level. Results: Of all the 344 respondents, 80.8 percent were aware of Modern FP methods. Pills and injection were most commonly known and used methods, mentioned by 66.2 percent and 64.4 percent of study subjects respectively. Sixty two percent of the respondents approved use of modern contraception while the current use rate was 32.3 percent. The significant predictors of use these methods were the respondents' age, marital status, knowledge on the methods and their side effects, and method approval by self and partner (p< 0.05). Conclusion: The low uptake of modern FP methods by women reveals their lack of knowledge on the various methods available, fear of harmful effects, and method approval by self and partner. There is need for reproductive health programs to intensify efforts in improving women's knowledge on modern contraceptive options including their side effects; and encourage constructive partner involvement.