The determinants of choice of contraceptives method among women of reproductive age (15-49) in Kawempe Division: case study of Bwaise Parish

Abstract

Contraceptives are very useful in achieving the family planning; however, not all contraceptives are suitable for everyone. The choice of contraception depends on how each person must be able to choose a contraceptive that is suitable for him or her. In developing countries, the woman’s decision on which contraceptive method to use, if any at all, is either a collective decision with the partner or is completely dependent on the male partner’s choice and preference. In developing countries like Uganda, modern contraceptive use is adversely affected by myths, beliefs and fears on perceived side effects together with the need to stick to the traditional methods thus deterring potential users from using particular contraceptive methods over other. In Kawempe division, cases of early and unplanned pregnancies are an issue of concern. This exposes these young girls to complications brought about by early pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood. Further complications may arise through attempts at pregnancy termination. The study aims at identifying the factors that affect the choice of contraceptive methods among women of reproductive age in Kawempe Division, Bwaise Parish. A descriptive cross sectional study of 100 women of reproductive age (15-49) was adopted and a researcher-administered questionnaire was used. The results showed that 82% of the respondents use contraceptives and 18% of them do not. The bivariate analysis showed that age of a woman, number of children alive, marital status and employment status had a relationship with choice of contraceptive method while highest education level and religion of a woman had no relationship with choice of contraceptive method. Condoms were the most used with 24.39%, followed by implants 15.85% and injectables with 14.63%. IUD and withdraw methods were the least used methods with 9.76%. Married women that were employed chose to use implants, women in the age group of 29-35 preferred injectables over the other contraceptive method. Factors that most influenced choice of contraceptive method among women of reproductive age in Bwaise parish where age, employment status and marital status.