Determinants of contraception access and utilization by women in Uganda’s Covid-19 lockdown: a study of Kireka Village, Wakiso District

Abstract

Introduction: Family planning services were introduced in the country in the 1950’s with the establishment of Family Planning Association of Uganda. Uganda has just concluded its family planning (FP) 2015-2020 mission to achieve universal access to family planning to help Uganda attain middle-income status. This study examined the determinants of the access and utilization of contraceptives by women in Kireka village during the COVID-19 lockdown and to explore their experiences. Methods: The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires while qualitative data used interview guides to collect data from 30 women, 3 providers of contraceptive services, 1 male partner and 1 community leader. Analysis was thematic, guided by study objectives. Findings: All female participants were informed about both modern and traditional contraceptive methods. Majority (50%) were informed about contraceptive pills while others were informed about condoms (20.8%), IUD (25%) and abstinence (4.2%). The common sources of information about contraceptives were the media (76%), health professionals (20%) and friends (4%). Factors that affected their access and utilization included easy availability and contraceptive stock in clinics, pharmacies and hospitals. Affordability and consensus among couples on which contraceptive to use were also some of the other identified factors. Challenges experienced during the COVID-19 lockdown included restrictions on public means of transport (8%), lack of money (16%), limited knowledge about other contraceptive methods (12%), objection from partners (8%) and religious beliefs (8%). Conclusion and Recommendation: Contraceptive knowledge among women is high. Although the COVID-19 lockdown presented multiple access and utilization barriers, pills, condoms and IUDs remained the commonly used, accessible and affordable methods compared to others. However, there is need to push for more aggressive and efficient communication means to educate the community on the merits of family planning, taking into account the role men and culture play in it.