Factors influencing the utilization of modern family planning methods among low parity women in Nkozi and Buwama sub counties in Mpigi district

Abstract

The study assessed the factors influencing the utilization of modern family planning methods among low parity women in Nkozi and Buwama Sub-Counties in Mpigi District. There was low utilization of MFPMs among low parity women which resulted in abortions, miscourages, anaemia and child malnutrition. Specific objectives included; to assess the level of utilization of MFPMs among low parity women, to investigate the individual, community and health care the factors affecting the utilization of MFPMs among low parity women. The study used a descriptive and cross sectional study design where quantitative research methods of data collection were used. A sample size of 384 respondents who were low parity women with 1-3 children was used. They were selected by simple random and purposive sampling methods and data was collected using questionnaires and focus group discussions. Data was analyzed using SPSS at univariate, bivariate and multivariate. Findings were discussed basing on the results from multivariate binary logistic regression. There was low utilization of MFPMs among low parity women at 23%. Individual factors include; age (95% CI=0.037:0.002-0.760; P=0.033) (P=0.002), marital status (95% CI=0.006:0.000- 0.872; P=0.044), education (95% CI=0.125:0.016-0.972; P=0.047), residence (95% CI= 371.5:103.29- 1335.8; P=0.047), religion (95% CI= 242.01:21.82-2684.8; P=0.001), being too young to use MFPMs (95% CI= 0.084:0.037-0.193; P=0.001), pregnancies ever carried (P=0.041), complications (95% CI= 9.74:4.44-21.4; P=0.001) and place delivery (95% CI= 7.006:2.75-17.83; P=0.001). Community factor was availability of community health programs for youths (95% CI= 0.092:0.021-0.402; P=0.001). Health facility factors included; distance (95% CI= 1.492:0.853-2.609; P=0.014), sensitization (95% CI= 0.563:0.326-0.972; P=0.039) and availability of MFPMs (95% CI= 1.855:1.117-3.080; P=0.017). Conclusion: Generally low parity women had low utilization of FPMs. It was associated to older age, marital status, low education, being urban resident, being non religious, having carried many pregnancies, perception of being too young, complications experienced with MFPMs and outside health facility delivery. Non availability of community reproductive health programs, long distance, low sensitization and non availability of MFPMs despite having the service in place. Recommendations: The study recommends that low parity women and community members should be health educated about MFPMs and the government should provide human and material resource for sexual and reproductive health programs so that all women may utilize them. The Public Health Implication is that government and other stake holders such as health care providers and community leaders should also give low parity women priority in the provision of family planning services.