PATTERN OF CONTRACEPTIVE USE AMONG WOMEN OF CHILD BEARING AGE IN OVUJO HEALTH CENTRE III, MARACHA DISTRICT

Table of Content

Content Page

Title Page ..........................................................................................

Abstract........................................................................................................................................... i

Copy Right........................................................................................

Declaration.................................................................................................................................... iv

Dedication ...................................................................................................................................... x

Acknowledgement........................................................................................................................ xi

Definition of Terms.................................................................................................................... xiii

List of Acronyms/Abbreviations............................................................................................... xiv

List of figures.............................................................................................................................. xvi

List of Tables............................................................................................................................. xvii

Chapter One .................................................................................................................................. 1

1.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Background of the Study .......................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Statement of the problem.......................................................................................................... 3

1.3 Purpose of the study.................................................................................................................. 3

1.4 Specific Objectives ................................................................................................................... 4

1.5 Research questions.................................................................................................................... 4

1.6 Significance of the study........................................................................................................... 4

Chapter Two: Literature Review ...................................................

2.0 Introduction..............................................................................

2.1 Factors related tocontributing to contraceptive use among women of child bearing age...... 7

2.2 Socio cultural factors contributing to low utilization of contraceptives................................... 9

2.3 Health facility related factors contributing to low utilisation of contraceptives among women of child bearing age......................................... 11

Chapter three: Methodology...................................................................................................... 15

3.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................. 15

3.1 Study Design and Rationale.................................................................................................... 15

3.2 Study Setting and rational....................................................................................................... 15

3.4 Study Population..................................................................................................................... 15

3.4.2 Sampling Procedures ........................................................................................................... 16

3.4.3 Inclusion Criteria ................................................................................................................. 16

3.5 Definitions of Variables.......................................................................................................... 16

Dependent Variable: ..................................................................................................................... 16

Independent variables ................................................................................................................... 16

3.6 Research Instrument................................................................................................................ 17

3.7.1 Data Management ................................................................................................................ 17

3.7.2 Data analysis........................................................................................................................ 17

3.8 Ethical Considerations............................................................................................................ 18

3.9 Limitations to the Study.......................................................................................................... 18

3.10 Dissemination of Results...................................................................................................... 18

Chapter Four: Results................................................................................................................ 19

4.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................. 19

4.1 Socio Demographic Characteristics........................................................................................ 19

4.2 Socio cultural factors contributing to low utilization of oral contraceptives among women of child bearing age.......................................... 21

4.3 Health facility related factors contributing to low utilization of oral contraceptives ............. 29

Chapter Five: Discussion of Findings, Conclusion and Recommendations.......................... 34

5.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................. 34

5.1 Discussion of findings............................................................................................................. 34

5.2 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 41

5.3 Recommendations................................................................................................................... 41

5.4 Implication to Medical practice and/or in service provision ................................................. 42

References..................................................................................................................................... 43

Appendices.................................................................................................................................... 47

Appendix i: Consent Form............................................................................................................ 47

Appendix ii: Research Questionnaire ........................................................................................... 48

Appendix iii: Introduction Letter.................................................................................................. 48

Appendix iv: Map of Uganda Showing Maracha District ............................................................ 53

Appendix v: Map of Maracha District Showing Ovujo Health Centre III ................................... 54

Abstract 

The study of the pattern of contraceptive use among women of child bearing age at Ovujo Health Centre III, Maracha district. A cross sectional descriptive study approach was used which involved both quantitative and qualitative method. A simple random method was used to select 30 respondents for the study. The results indicated knowledge about family planning services at 57% while those women who had ever used any contraceptive methods were 67%. The findings exposed myths and misconceptions in relation to pattern of use as well as long distance travelled, few methods offered at H/Cs, rejection by men, poor services and poor attitude by the health providers, drug stock out and influence of church teachings as main factors contributing to low utilization of contraceptives in Ovujo Health Centre. Therefore, a number of socio cultural factors limited utilization of oral contraceptives notably lack of support from men, inadequate knowledge, myths and misconceptions about contraception, over bleeding, weight loss and restriction by the Catholic Church remained key barriers. While facility related factors such as long distance that requires transport money, negative attitude of some of the health workers, long waiting hours, drug stock out, few clinic days, limited choices of methods offered contributed to low utilization of contraception use. There is need for advocacy and health education by district health workers through the local radio talk shows and social gatherings eg. market places on importance of family planning services and the available services with emphasis on addressing the myths and misconceptions plus information education communication materials .

Besides, the district health office and other stake holder service providers like Mariestopes International plus the use religious leaders. Uganda should organize outreach programs to overcome the challenges of long distance and limited methods.