Barriers to Adoption of Family Planning among Women in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo


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ja-13-154

Author(s): Mathe JK, Kasonia KK, Maliro AK

Year: 2011


Afr J Reprod Health. 2011 Mar;15(1):69-77.
Abstract:

The objectives of this survey were to identify women's level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) toward family planning (FP); identify possible barriers to using FP; determine pregnancy spacing pattern; and ascertain the level of FP promotion by health workers. This was a 2-weeks cross-sectional survey at all maternity units in Butembo of postpartum women. 572 women were interviewed. FP knowledge was high (76%), perception good (80%). Majority used traditional methods (65%), mostly Calendar method (72%). Barriers to using modern FP included lack of knowledge, fear of side effects, religious considerations and husband opposition. Unmet need for spacing and limiting was high (21 & 31%). For majority (56%), pregnancy spacing met WHO's Healthy Timing and Spacing of Pregnancy recommendations. Promotion of FP was poor (42%). Training of health workers, advocating modern contraception, improving FP services in all public health facilities and promoting FP on each contact of women is highly recommended in this city.